The name Chad received a boost in popularity in the wake of Florida’s 2008 presidential election controversy. After first hearing that democrat candidate, Al Gore, had won the sunshine state and later the republican candidate, George Bush, morning brought the news that a recount was necessary to determine a winner.
For the first time in recent history, the presumptive president was unknown. A Florida win was a necessity, but the recount was clouded by controversy. Punched card ballots, whose perforated squares failed completely to detach, forced the historic involvement of the Supreme Court.Get more information here. http://www.onlinecertificateprograms.org/blog/2012/9-shady-u-s-elections-you-probably-forgot-about/
In Florida counties using the punch card, the perforated section known as a chad became a matter of heated debate. Some chads remained attached to the ballet by one, two or three points, and some completely attached but dimpled. The provocative question was which if any of these votes counted.
For the first time in history, it was not only a matter of counting votes but also judging the intent of the voter. Adding to the confusion, the hand counting of votes changed the ballots themselves as chads came loose and sometimes dislodged. The term chad previously known by few became well known and temporarily became popular as a baby name.