Alabama Voters Keep Segregation
from NY Times National Briefing, 12/4/05, p. A15
ALABAMA: ANTISEGREGATION AMENDMENT FAILS A statewide recount showed that voters narrowly decided to keep language in the Alabama Constitution supporting segregation and poll taxes, according to unofficial totals. Nancy Worley, the secretary of state, said voters defeated an amendment to remove the language by just 1,850 votes out of more than 1.3 million cast. The amendment would have erased language, no longer enforced, that required segregated schools and poll taxes, which were intended to keep blacks from voting. The measure would also have removed language that said there is no constitutional right to an education at public expense. Opponents said the amendment could have led to huge court-ordered tax increases for schools. (AP)