Erstellt am: 25. 10. 2012 - 15:04 Uhr

50 ways to cast your ballot

Reality Check: The curious US electoral system, Greece's timetable for austerity, Syria cease-fire, Russia missile test, military service.

There are still 12 days to go, but things are hotting up in the US elections, and this time a few things are different.

First of all, there have been an unprecendented number of early votes. While the candidates are sill battling away on the campaign trail, a substantial number of voters have alreay cast their ballots. Even the president himself, is casting an early vote - but no prizes for guessing who he will vote for!

Simon Marks looks at the phenomenon of early voting as Barack Obama becomes the first sitting president to vote early.

On the other hand, while the majority of campaigners are doing their best to "kick out the vote" and get people into polling booths, there are a small number who are trying to DISCOURAGE people from voting. Their tactics are many, various and decidedly dodgy. From posters implying voters could be prosectued for "fraud" to misinformation on voting procedures, the election sabateurs are active in states across the country.

Stopping such interference with the democratic process is, however, extremely difficult. Voting procedures come under state, not federal, regulation, so there are over 50 different systems in operation across the USA and its territories. Suddenly the simple "inking the finger" process of identifying those who have voted, as used in Afghanistan and Iraq, looks remarkable democratic and transparent.

Priscilla Huff looks at some of the tricks the less scrupulous campaigners have been up to.

• Greece and the austerity deadline

Confusion over the deadline for Greece to meet its austerity measures as required for the EU bailout funds.

• Syria cease fire

Tony Cheng analyses the prospects for the cease-fire negotiated by Lakhdar Brahimi between the Syrian government and the rebels for the Muslim festival of Eid.

• Russia tests ballistic missile

Russia says it has successfully tested a prototype for a new intercontinental ballistic missile. Military analyst Paul Beaver looks at the current status and capabilities of missiles around the world.

• Military Service

Ahead of tomorrow's Austrian National Day, we look at the continuting debate on military service.

FM4 Reality Check

Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.00, and after the show via Podcast or fm4.orf.at/realitycheck.