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Today in History: Supreme Court halts Florida recount, Bush declared winner

12/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On December 12, 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Bush v. Gore, halting the Florida ballot recount from the contentious presidential election. This decision awarded George W. Bush the presidency by a narrow margin of 537 votes, securing his majority in the Electoral College and concluding a protracted electoral dispute.

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Story summary

On December 12, 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Bush v. Gore, halting the Florida ballot recount from the contentious presidential election. This decision awarded George W. Bush the presidency by a narrow margin of 537 votes, securing his majority in the Electoral College and concluding a protracted electoral dispute.