Florida Democrats concerned about ballot

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The ballot for the high-profile Democratic gubernatorial primary has confusing instructions that could cause the same problems that marked the 2000 presidential election, Democrats said Saturday.

The ballot instructs voters to "Vote for One Pair," meaning a combined entry of governor and lieutenant governor, though none of the candidates has chosen a running mate.

Voters who took the instruction literally would "overvote" and nullify their choice, Democrats said.

Under the names of gubernatorial candidates Daryl Jones, Bill McBride and Janet Reno, the ballot reads "Not Yet Designated" in place of a lieutenant governor candidate.

Party chairman Bob Poe said he would ask Secretary of State Jim Smith to change the ballot language. Smith's office was closed Saturday and phone messages were not returned.

Poe also said the party is considering court action.

"This confusing language poses a serious threat to the integrity of the primary ballot," Poe said.

Poe said the language needs to be changed quickly because ballots are being mailed to overseas voters now for the Sept. 10 primary. Gov. Jeb Bush is unopposed for the Republican nomination.