Intresting - here in the UK the laws on Postal Ballots have recently changed. It is now a lot easier to get a postal ballot. Without boring M'catters with the minute details here in Caerphilly (Electorate 62K) - 1.9K postal ballots were sent out by the Returning Officer. As opposed to the normal expectd 0.45K. I was one of thuse appointed by the Labour Candidate to witness the opening and verification of the postal ballots.

In the UK the law is simple - only ballots received before the close of poll are eligable to be counted. They can be handed in at polling station up to that time.

Of that 1900, 1450 ish had been receive by post. Another 150 ish came in with the ballot boxes to the count.

Of the received ballots circa 20% were disqualified through tchnical matters ranging from neglecting to sign, or have witnessed the declaration of identity, to not returning the actual ballot paper (Yes Really !!!)

But the proceedure was conducted with scrupulos fairness. Rejected returns were shown to the witneses and we were asked to note and if neccessary coment on the reasons for rejection. No decision of the counters was questioned, by any of the assembled party hacks.

Any attempt to overide the law would have been howled down, by all involved.

Not only fair, but seen to be fair ! Oh Florida would that you have followed the same rules.

Gareth