There is a crisis of confidence in America both at home and abroad. Starting with the 2000 presidential election and continuing until today, the concepts of democracy and what it means to be American have taken a beating. From the disenfranchised Florida voters to the suspect reasoning for entering into a pre-emptive war against Iraq, confidence and trust in the United States is at an all-time low. We have lost the respect of our friends around the world. So, as we approach another presidential election, rebuilding the reputation of America as a strong and true democracy is of the utmost importance.

If there is any question as to the validity of the election in 2004 it will further erode and undermine the perception of our form of government. The idea of democracy, where the voice of the voter has to be heard, must be restored. Everyone needs to know his or her vote counts and is counted accurately.

With the reported problems in Florida in 2000 and with the emergence of electronic voting, we, the undersigned, request that Jimmy Carter & the Carter Center observe and provide oversight of voting on Election Day 2004 to insure a fair, honest and true election.

We believe the time has come that we must turn to Jimmy Carter & the Carter Center to fix things at home. There is no one we trust more to restore faith in the democracy this country was founded upon.