In U.S., more opt to vote by mail

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By Brian Knowlton
International Herald Tribune

So many voters are casting absentee ballots or voting early this year that it could still be unclear on Nov. 8 - the day after the midterm elections - whether Democrats have managed to gain control of at least one house of Congress by winning 15 additional House seats or 6 more in the Senate.

Many Americans are turning to absentee voting as a convenience, while for others - as with overseas civilians and military personnel - it is a necessity. The political polarization of recent times appears to be driving some expatriates to vote for the first time in years. And after election controversies in 2000 and 2004, some people appear to feel more comfortable avoiding the voting booth.

Thirty states allow "no excuse" absentee voting, meaning a voter does not need to provide a rationale, like being ill, out of town or on an overseas posting.

But the rising numbers of such voters could mean prolonged uncertainty. Some early and absentee ballots are counted as they arrive, with results kept secret until Election Day. Others are tallied along with regular ballots. But overseas ballots are sometimes counted much later, as late as Nov. 22 in Alaska and Nov. 28 in Washington State.

Ohio, a pivotal state in 2004, will count overseas absentee ballots until Nov. 17, as will Florida, the scene of the electoral meltdown of 2000.