americans abroad - how do your votes count?

[sniffa]

i received an emaiL from the kerry campaign reminding me that the deadLine for overseas americans to register is 9/15 for most states.
so first, here's the site if any DUers know anyone abroad that needs to register:

http://www.overseasvote2004.com/

my question - how do their votes count? do their votes count in the Last state they Lived in? i know "americans abroad" had their own deLegates, but not any eLectoraL votes (pLease, someone correct me if i'm wrong). how does duaL-citizenship work? what if you've Lived overseas for 5 years? 10 years, etc?

[onebigbadwulf]

1. They count if I'm republican

but i'll send one in anyway thanks

[Tim_in_HK]

2. Yes.

My understanding is that federal law dictates that our votes will be counted in the last state we lived in before moving abroad, regardless of how long we've been absent from that state (and regardless of whether we've lost residency in that state).

I lived in NY, I'll vote absentee in federal elections, and my vote will count there. However, I am no longer a resident of NY state, so can't vote in statewide elections.

Dual-citizenship doesn't matter. And there's no restriction on ability to vote based on how many years you've been gone from US, as long as you remain a citizen.

There are restrictions on passing on citizenship to descendents. E.g., my children will be automatic US citizens, but my children's children would have to satisfy a physical presence test in the US in order to qualify for US citizenship. But I can't remember the length of time needed to satisfy the physical presence requirements.