Election officials concede that tens of thousands of Americans overseas might not get ballots in time to cast votes ... The tardy ballots are just one of several setbacks or missteps that have affected the ability of the estimated 4.4 million eligible voters overseas to participate in the presidential election. Some have been unable to send their registrations to a Pentagon contractor's computers, which are clogged by thousands of voter forms. Others were denied access to a Web site designed to help Americans abroad vote. And many voters simply have had trouble navigating the rules and methods that determine how and when to register and vote and that vary by state.

- Absentee Votes: Hurdles Remain for American Voters Who Live Overseas

I spent a few hours online in December trying to figure out how to register for absentee ballots in the District of Columbia. Whatever I did worked, because I received a ballot by mail in late August. Unfortunately, the ballot was for the DC primary in September 14. (In my experience, pouch mail takes two to three weeks to be delivered.)

To help speed the balloting process, federal officials activated a new system last week in which voters can obtain absentee ballots instantly through the Internet.

Great idea! But wait a minute:

... the Web site, myballot.mil, will be offered only to members of the military and their families, quickly raising concerns about fairness in a program that the Pentagon has been directed to run for civilians as well. In addition, 23 states have already declined to join the system for various reasons ...

Uh, that doesn't sound very constitutional.

If you are an American overseas and haven't already registered for an absentee ballot, here's what to do:

1. Try to register for your ballot online at Overseas Vote 2004. Be sure to check the registration deadline for your state.


2. If your state's deadline has passed, don't panic. You are eligible for a Federal Write-In Ballot if you do not receive an absentee ballot by October 2. Talk to your embassy or consulate, or request one by email.

I'm pretty confident my absentee ballot won't arrive in time, but I'm not worried. I'll vote in October, because in the District of Columbia:

You may vote absentee if you are unable to go to the polls because of age or disability, or if you will be out of town on election day.

You may cast an absentee ballot, in person, in our office (441 4th St., NW #250) beginning 14 days before the election ... The deadline for in person absentee voting is 4:45 pm the day before election day.

- DC Board of Elections and Ethics online services

Hope this is helpful to others overseas. If you have any additional information, please leave a comment.