NAACP Rates Election Reform

AP) The NAACP says several states have made little progress in fixing elections problems that left thousands of minority voters disenfranchised in the 2000 presidential election.

In an election report released Monday, six states received failing grades, though some officials immediately disputed the findings. The states that received an F were Delaware, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Vermont. Florida, where the results of the 2000 presidential race remained in dispute for more than a month, got a D.

"We now are on the verge of midterm elections," Mfume said, and there is "across this country a continuing refrain, 'When will real election reform take place and when will local government, state government, federal government find a coordinated way to protect" people's right to vote.

On Tuesday, the NAACP is expected to turn its attention to hotels by releasing a report card assessing whether hotel chains have improved business opportunities for minorities.

The lodging report card measures diversity in employment, promotions, vendors, advertising, philanthropy and equity ownership and franchise opportunities.