Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — With the 2022 midterm election only a few months away — Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 —  Chief Election Officer, Dr. Lealofi Uiagalelei issued an official statement yesterday to prospective candidates for American Samoa’s Delegate to the U.S House of Representatives and the local House of Representatives races.

Uiagalelei said that candidate’s nomination petitions and material for the 2022 Midterm Election will be available at the Election Office in Tafuna from June 15 to Sept. 1.

On the issue of voter registration — 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.

To all uniformed services voters, overseas voters and students attending institutions of learning outside of American Samoa, Uiagalelei asked that you submit your request for your absentee ballots for the 2022 Midterm Election.

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

Uiagalelei also says 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.”

For questions and other information call the Election Office at 699-3570. Samoa News notes that all ASG operations returned to normal as of June 1 — according to the Governor’s May 28 COVID-19 Emergency Declaration (See Samoa News edition May 31 for details of the new declaration.)

American Samoa registered voters go to the polls in November to elect its Delegate to the US House as well as 20 elected faipule of the local House.