A Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation into possible absentee-ballot fraud in an Orlando mayoral race has blossomed into an election issue itself, with Democrats calling for Gov. Jeb Bush to halt a practice they say is aimed at intimidating elderly black voters. At issue is an investigation into former state Sen. Buddy Dyer's March 9 re-election as Orlando mayor. Dyer, a Democrat, won by just less than 51 percent of the vote. His opponents filed a lawsuit, alleging an aide filled out multiple absentee ballots on behalf of black voters to help him get elected. The FDLE went door to door in black neighborhoods collecting evidence to turn over to the State Attorney's Office there. Democrats charge the technique, which is not the FDLE's normal mode of questioning witnesses, is harassment. [more ]
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