Some of you may have seen a note from us earlier about problems with access for our overseas reporters -- we've got a story up online about it now.

Military public affairs officials blocked Stars and Stripes from interviewing troops about the presidential election Wednesday, citing Defense Department rules regarding political statements.

Sasebo Naval Base spokesman Charles Howard said Stripes reporters would not be allowed on base for any election coverage following instructions from the Pentagon.

Department spokesman Maj. Stewart Upton said officials decided not to allow any commercial media on military facilities to observe reaction to election results or discuss the election with servicemembers because "image and perception of the Department is to be one of non-partisanship."

Obviously this is a problem for our folks and a big story -- we'll be tracking it past tonight and giving updates in the paper in days to come.