Washington - Election officials in swing states where Internet sites are being used to swap votes between Nader and Gore supporters have warned six site operators they risk being prosecuted under legislation designed to prevent vote buying, writes Paddy Smyth.
A number of the sites have closed down, but the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a court order in California to prevent action against them, claiming that such action would be a violation of the free speech rights of voters.
The swap system, not sanctioned by any of the parties, has emerged as a means of persuading Nader voters in marginals not to cast their votes in a way which may tip seats to Bush.