As the presidential election of 2000 and 2004 showed, voting irregularities in the United States can have a profound effect on the outcome of an election. This has been particularly apparent in Florida, where George W. Bush famously won the state by only 537 votes – a margin that would not have been possible without voter suppression or other irregularities.
American Blackout is a documentary that examines this issue closely, following Georgia Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney as she investigates the recurring patterns of voter disenfranchisement that led to such narrow victory margins. As McKinney looks into this situation, she also finds herself at odds with the Bush administration over her outspokenness regarding 9/11, making her story one of personal courage as well as political scandal.
The film follows McKinney as she visits various locations in Florida and Ohio where voting fraud occurred during these two elections. It highlights McKinney’s brave efforts to bring attention to this injustice and provide support for those who were wronged – most notably African-Americans who were barred from participating in their own democratic process. As noted by The New York Times, “American Blackout makes sadly clear just how much was at stake” in these elections.
With its compelling vision and hard-hitting facts, American Blackout provides an honest look at what happened during this period in American history – and how it may still be happening today. It shows us firsthand just how damaging these issues can be if left unchecked and brings us closer to understanding why it’s so important to ensure every citizen’s right to vote is fully respected. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to watch this documentary closely – not only for entertainment value but also for educational purposes – and take action against any similar injustices that continue to occur today.