As the election draws closer, a quiet battle is raging all across America -- the battle to protect our votes. Republican operatives are working overtime to manipulate the election, using tactics right out of Karl Rove's playbook.

Their goal: suppress Democratic voters, disenfranchise poor and minority citizens, do whatever it takes to get John McCain and Sarah Palin in the White House.  

We all remember the Florida 2000 debacle. Katherine Harris handed the election to George W. Bush with her voter list "purges" and her crooked recounts. We can't let it happen again.

This petition is sponsored by the Secretary of State Project, an independent progressive organization devoted to electing Secretaries of State who will count every vote.

Dear Secretary of State,

I want to express my strong concern about the integrity of our upcoming Presidential election.

In both 2000 and 2004, partisan operatives working as elections officials handed the Presidency to George W. Bush. Katherine Harris and Ken Blackwell suppressed likely Democratic voters and made corrupt decisions to further their partisan agenda. We cannot let that happen again.

This year, I urge you to use the full power of your office to help all eligible citizens vote, and then count every ballot. Our democracy is too sacred to let partisan ideology interfere with the will of the people.

Thank you,