The official declaration of George W. Bush as the next president of the United States put an end to the debate over the winner of the election, but not to questions raised about the American electoral process.

Bush was certified as the winner of the election by his opponent, Vice President Al Gore, after a formal count of the electoral votes Saturday. Some members of Congress - many black Democrats - raised objections in an attempt to block Florida’s deciding votes from being counted. They cited unfair election processes and voter discrimination in the state. A small group of the legislators walked off the House floor in protest when the objections were not allowed.

Despite Republican urging to “get over it,” the issue should continue to be addressed. Those who protested at the joint session should continue to voice their concerns. Instead of getting over it, the country should learn from this experience and apply what it has learned.

The election debate is no longer about who won or lost, but about the process itself. A Gore victory would have raised as many questions and protests about the process. Those who have protested have done it with class, and it is only right to hear their concerns and examine what they are saying.

The 2000 election brought out aspects of our electoral process that are in obvious need of review and reform. Regardless of whether the candidate of the voters’ choice won, the problem is that votes of some citizens did not count or were never allowed to be cast.

Florida residents were not the only voters subject to disenfranchisement. The Mike Rogers/Dianne Byrum recount brought forth questions of voter discrimination against college students. Requiring the voter registration address to match the driver’s license address and confusion about where to vote forced poll officials to turn many MSU students away.

The disenfranchising of some is not the only issue. Many question the validity of the electoral college. The question of its abolition warrants looking into. The process should be examined to find the best way to let the people’s voice be heard with or without the Electoral College.

Election reform is a key part of the future of the process. Many who were disillusioned with the voting process before the election are far from encouraged after it. The accuracy of past elections is also questioned now.

Bush should not ignore this issue. The closeness of this election and the controversy surrounding it will hang over his presidency for its duration. To lead the country as a whole and begin healing, it would best serve the country to examine the process to be sure every voice is heard.

In order to restore faith in our country’s trust in its electoral process and to maintain the ideals of a truly all-inclusive democratic system, the process needs to be examined.