In contrast, the results of Canada's parliamentary election were known within hours of the closing of the polls. Many factors combined to create the problems encountered in the 2000 United States election. Some speculate Ralph Nader's candidacy pulled votes away from Vice-President Al Gore, splitting the liberal vote enough to give then Governor Bush a majority. In Florida and many other states, racial minorities faced hurdles getting to the polls, their votes were disproportionately uncounted, and millions were disenfranchised nationally due to some states' permanent bans on ex-felons from voting. The complexity of many ballots makes them de facto literacy tests.
Alternatives do exist.
Each party gets the same percentage of seats as received in the vote. This election reform is particularly effective in multi-member electoral districts. In IRV, the voter simply ranks the candidates in order of preference. The candidate with the least number of first votes is eliminated, and the eliminated candidate's votes are transferred to each voter's second choice until a candidate wins a majority. Explore what reforms are needed in your own community and state.