The message below might be of interest regarding the discussion of
Minnesota absentee ballots, this comes from the Federal Voting
Assistance Program. 

*********************************************************************
R. Michael Alvarez				(O) 626-395-4422
Professor of Political Science			(F) 626-405-9841 
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA 91125                              
rma@hss.caltech.edu
*********************************************************************



---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 2002 17:03:20 -0500 
From: vote <vote@fvap.ncr.gov>
Subject: MINNESOTA TO ISSUE AN OFFICIAL SUPPLEMENTAL BALLOT AND A SECOND 
    REGULAR ABSENTEE BALLOT UPON REQUEST 

Voting News Release #18
November 1, 2002

MINNESOTA TO ISSUE AN OFFICIAL SUPPLEMENTAL BALLOT AND A SECOND REGULAR
ABSENTEE BALLOT UPON REQUEST FOR THE U.S. SENATE GENERAL ELECTION ON
NOVEMBER 5, 2002

On October 31, 2002, the Minnesota Supreme Court (case number C7-02-1879)
ordered that an official supplemental (U.S. Senate) ballot must be mailed
upon request to absentee voters because of the vacancy created in
nomination. If a voter has already cast a regular absentee ballot and wishes
to vote again, then the voter may call, fax or email their Minnesota county
election official to request a second regular ballot and the official
supplemental ballot. If making a first time request for a ballot then the
request must be faxed. Some counties may send ballots via express mail. If
voters are satisfied with their vote already cast, no action is needed.

A person may write in the name of a candidate either on the regular absentee
ballot or the official supplemental ballot. If a voter casts two regular
absentee ballots and both are received by the local election official by the
close of polls on Election Day, the ballot with the later date on the return
envelope shall be counted. If a voter casts a regular absentee ballot but
does not cast an official supplemental (U.S. Senate) ballot, the ballot
shall be counted as if the vacancy had not occurred. Upon receipt of the
second regular ballot and supplemental (U.S. Senate) ballot they must be
completed promptly and returned by close of polls on Election Day (8PM CST).

For additional information about the candidates, visit the website of the
Minnesota Secretary of State at <http://www.sos.state.mn.us/> , or the DoD
Voting Information Center, 1-800-438-8683, 703-588-1343, or DSN 425-1343 or
by using the FVAP toll-free telephone numbers listed at
<http://www.fvap.gov/tollfree2000.html>.

Questions regarding the above may also be referred to the Director, Federal
Voting Assistance Program, Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters
Services, 1155 Defense Pentagon, Washington DC 20301-1155. Additionally, the
FVAP can be reached via e-mail at vote@fvap.ncr.gov
<mailto:vote@fvap.ncr.gov>.