The Triangle

Issue date: 11/5/04 Section: Sci-Tech

Media Credit: NASA

Over one hundred million votes were cast in this year's presidential election. An unprecedented number of voters came to polls from far and wide and waited in long lines to make their voices heard. One voter is guaranteed the distinction of having the vote cast from the most remote location - outer space. Leroy Chiao is the first American to vote for President from space.

Using an encrypted e-mail link, Chiao sent his ballot to Mission Control in Houston from the International Space Station. It was then passed on to Chiao's hometown voting district in Galveston County, Texas. "I thought long and hard about it over the weekend, made my final decision and Sunday night went ahead and cast the ballot and pushed the send button," Chiao said. "It was a neat moment." Chiao did not make his choice public, but said he considered more than the candidates' positions on the space program.

One other American has voted from outer space. David Wolf, while aboard Mir in 1997, was able to vote. He was able to help decide the mayor of Houston, as well as make his voice heard on local issues.

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