US Consul General Gregory Slayton yesterday reminded American residents to register to vote, insisting they could collectively determine the upcoming presidential election.

He issued the reminder in light of estimates that less than one-quarter of US citizens living on the island, who are eligible to vote, have registered.

According to Mr. Slayton, as many as 9,000 Americans could be living in Bermuda today ¿ a number large enough to have swung the US election in favour of presidential hopeful Al Gore, in 2000, and John Kerry in 2004.

"We believe there are between 8,000 and 9,000 American residents, expatriates and dual nationals ¿ of which there are at least 5,000," he said. "They represent a big, big number. A number that size would have tipped Florida in 2000 and made a significant difference in Ohio in 2004. So the message we want to send out is, 'Don't wait too late to cast your vote'.

"The remaining 6,000 non-registered voters constitute a significant number, especially when one considers the events in Florida four years ago, when every vote made a difference.

"Voting is an important right and obligation of all Americans. Living abroad does not absolve Americans citizens of that obligation. Voting is what makes the democratic process work, and we should all take the necessary steps to ensure that our votes count, regardless of political affiliation."

Mr. Slayton offered his comments on the heels of a visit to Bermuda by State Department Chief Voting Action Officer Jack Markey whose message was similar to the one the Consul General espoused yesterday: "Register early".

Here on behalf of the Federal Voting Assistance Programme, Mr. Markey conducted a workshop on the overseas voting process for American expatriates, designed especially for community leaders who could potentially help spread the word about absentee voting.

US citizens residing outside the US are eligible to participate in US elections by absentee ballot using a vote-by-mail process. Many states allow voters to use fax instead of mail, and a few are allowing use of e-mail.

Added Mr. Slayton: "I urge Americans to check out the official US Government website, www.fvap.gov, where they can learn about their state's voter eligibility requirements, procedures and deadlines, and to request ballots now so they can vote in this year's elections." Alternately, Americans can access the Consulate's own web site, http://hamilton.usconsulate.gov, for details.