Congress Approves Bill Helping Overseas Voters - NYTimes.com

Congress Approves Bill Helping Overseas Voters - NYTimes.com:

WASHINGTON — For decades, Election Day has been just out of reach for many American troops and civilians abroad. After struggling to get the paperwork needed to register, they often receive their ballots too late to return them by the deadline.

On Thursday, however, federal lawmakers made it easier for American citizens to cast ballots overseas. By a 68-to-29 vote in the Senate, Congress gave final approval to legislation requiring all states to provide overseas voters with the new option of getting ballots electronically and no later than 45 days before the election. This is so voters have adequate time to complete and mail them back to the United States.