TAMPA (FOX 13) -
Who could forget the 2000 presidential election?
Florida's still trying to live it down, along with that infamous butterfly ballot.
And while no one wants a repeat, political analysts say brace yourself.
"In any election, things can go wrong. People and equipment aren't perfect. Anytime there's a misstep or breakage in the system in a big state like Florida, everybody's going to be focused on it," said Dr. Susan MacManus, a USF political science professor.
LINK: Follow our live Election Day tweets @MyFoxTampaBay
MacManus said this time legal challenges will most likely focus on the lack of uniformity in the state's voting system.
"Ever since the 2011 changes to the election laws in Florida, it's become a very partisan battle," she said. "The integrity of the election system has been under the microscope. Both parties have their legal team looking at any misstep that they perceive on the other side."
And with this presidential election turning into another nail biter of a race, lawyers for both parties are lining up to take their shots if there's a repeat of the 2000 recount drama.
Around the country over the last few months, lawsuits have been filed over voter I.D. requirements and limited poll hours, including here in Florida.
Over the weekend, state democrats went to court to extend early voting hours.
And if the race comes down to a razor-thin margin, we could see a new wave of litigation after the polls close.
"It's just going to be one of those crazy days," MacManus said.
In the Bay area, where polls close at 7 p.m., officials say they're ready. They're planning for a busy day, and they say early voting was a huge success with some record-breaking numbers.
LINK: Find your precinct
LINK: An analysis of the Florida ballot
LINK: What the polls are saying about the presidential race
Stay with Fox 13 and MyFoxTampaBay.com for live, up-to-the-minute results when polls close tonight.
