Hanging Chad

Definition

An incompletely punched ballot hole from 2000 Florida recount, a physical artifact that accidentally decided a presidential election.

Example Usage

The hanging chad controversy in Florida's 2000 election recount demonstrated the absurdity of punch-card voting.

Origin

Specific term from 2000 Florida presidential recount; 'chad' is the paper created by punch cards.

Fun Fact

Hanging chads led to nationwide voting machine reforms, yet recounts are still contested and vulnerable to bias.

Source: Electoral history and voting technology

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