CHARLESTON -- West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant is representing the state at the Overseas Vote Foundation U.O.C.A.V.A. Summit in Munich, Germany this week.

Voting officials from around the world are discussing the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, and other election reforms.

West Virginia currently has about 42,000 military and overseas voters who are eligible to cast a ballot in the 2010 elections.

"I am looking forward to representing West Virginia and showing the world how we are emerging as a leader not only in the elections process but also overseas absentee voting," Tennant said. "Our online voting pilot program is a step in the right direction. It is safe and secure, provides secrecy for online voters, and makes sure overseas voters and members of the military have the chance to exercise their rights as Americans no matter where in the world they are."

Kanawha, Wood, Jackson, Marshall and Monongalia counties are all participating in a pilot program that will allow absentee voting through the world wide web.