States ' rules for absentee ballots vary ; rules can change during election season . 30 percent of overseas military ballots returned , counted in 2004 , official estimates . Comment: Military ballots were a focus in the 2000 recount in Florida .
States ' rules for absentee ballots vary ; rules can change during election season . 30 percent of overseas military ballots returned , counted in 2004 , official estimates . Mail from war zones sometimes does not get to county registrars in time . Military ballots were a focus in the 2000 recount in Florida .