WASHINGTON - SENATOR Ted Stevens, the Senate's longest-serving Republican, may not be able to vote for himself on Election Day, Tuesday. Alaska state election officials are researching whether his conviction in federal court disqualifies him from going to the polls.

States have different rules controlling whether felons can vote.

Stevens was convicted on Monday on seven counts of trying to hide more than US$250,000 (S$372,386) in free home renovations and other gifts that he received from a wealthy oil contractor.

Alaska law says 'a person convicted of a crime that constitutes a felony involving moral turpitude under state or federal law may not vote in a state, federal, or municipal election from the date of the conviction through the date of the unconditional discharge of the person.'

Ms Gail Fenumiai, director of the Alaska Division of Elections, said officials in the state's Department of Law are researching whether Stevens' conviction covered crimes of 'moral turpitude.'

Ms Fenumiai said records show that Stevens has not voted yet in this year's election. He can vote by fax or vote in person on Election Day.

Stevens, who has represented Alaska in the Senate since 1968, is in a tight race with Democratic challenger Mark Begich, the mayor of Anchorage.

Both Mr John McCain, the Republicans' candidate for president in next week's elections, and his running, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, suggested on Tuesday that the venerable senator should resign. Should he run and be elected, the Senate would have the right to refuse to let him serve. -- AP