Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — With the certification of candidates for the 2022 Mid-Term Election completed, Chief Election Officer, Uiagalelei Lealofi announced that absentee voting — both local and overseas — has commenced after ballots were printed.

LOCAL ABSENTEE

Pursuant to local election law, Uiagalelei said qualified electors who reside in American Samoa but will be temporarily absent from the territory on Election Day “may vote absentee ballot” at the Election Office in Tafuna.

And only the following qualified electors may vote locally by absentee ballot before they travel between now and until the day before Election Day:

•           those traveling for medical treatment;

•           travel for military-related assignments;

•           travel for employment-related training, conference or assignments;

•           traveling for vacation.

Uiagalelei said these travelers, who wish to vote, must present proof of their temporary absence from the territory in accordance with local regulations, under the American Samoa Administrative Code.

Such proof includes, but is not limited to: airline/carrier ticket, military order, Travel Authorization, medical referral, etc.

Uiagalelei emphasized that those travelers who will return to American Samoa before Nov. 8, 2022 “are NOT allowed to vote again” — if they have already voted by local absentee prior to their travel.

Local absentee voting began yesterday and runs through Nov. 07, from 8a.m. to 4p.m. Monday to Friday at the Election Office, which will also be open on Saturdays and Holidays from 8a.m. to 12noon for local absentee voting.

OVERSEAS ABSENTEES

For all uniformed services voters, overseas voters including ASG employees and students attending institutions of learning outside of American Samoa, absentee ballots for those who have already requested absentee ballots were mailed out yesterday.

The online overseas Absentee Request process began on Jan. 1 this year. To request an absentee ballot, go online to the www.aselectionoffice.gov website.

Uiagalelei had said two months ago that “uniformed services voters and overseas voters — outside of the US and Territories — can also use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to request your absentee ballot.”

And the deadline to request an overseas absentee ballot is Oct. 25.

VOTER REGISTRATION

Voter registration is ongoing at the Election Office from Monday to Friday 8a.m. to 4p.m. and also on Saturdays and holidays from 8a.m. to 12noon. Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 11.

Those who have just turned 18-years old; those who have not registered to vote but are qualified; and those who have been purged from the voter registration list should register at the Election Office.

Documents needed are: Birth Certificate or Valid U.S Passport, Social Security card and a Government photo ID.