FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Laura Bornfreund (407) 246-3423
Orlando Rolon (407) 246-3701

DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL UPHOLDS
2004 ELECTION RESULTS

ORLANDO, FL (February 24, 2006)— Today, the Fifth District Court of Appeal issued its opinion upholding the results of the 2004 City of Orlando election of Mayor Dyer and Commissioner Ernest Page.

“This is a victory for not only the City of Orlando, but also for the citizens of Orlando, “said Mayor Dyer, “laying finally to rest as totally without merit the last remaining challenge to the 2004 election process. The will of the voters has been upheld and confirmed. It’s time to move on to issues important to our citizens.”

The District Court of Appeal noted even if “the ballots that were [at issue] were disqualified, Mr. Dyer would still have sufficient votes to have won the election without a runoff.”

The District Court of Appeal summarized the opinion quoting the Florida Supreme Court, “‘the primary consideration of an election contest is whether the will of the people has been effected.’ Nothing has been brought to our attention, which causes us doubt in this regard. Although the Challengers have raised a number of other issues, we find no merit to them. Accordingly, the judgment is affirmed.”

The trial court granted summary final judgment in favor of the Appellees, the Elections Canvassing Board of the City of Orlando, and Mayor Dyer and District 6 Commissioner, Mayor Ernest Page, upholding the spring 2004 election results. This opinion confirms that result.   (View opinion.)

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