Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Election Office reminds possible candidates for the Special Election to be held Sept. 12 for House District #1 Manu’a — which comprises Ta’u, Faleasao and Fitiuta — that deadline to file election petition is no later than 4:30p.m. today, Thursday, Aug. 03.

Election officials told Samoa News that as of yesterday morning, five people already picked up their petitions and only one had turned in as of Aug. 01.

“Once all the petitions are turned in no later than the given deadline, the Chief Election Officer will determined that they are eligible for the Special Election,” the officials explained.

“However, there will be a three-day challenge [period] for those who wish to challenge any of the candidates. And if there are no challenges, the Chief Election Officer will then certify the candidates,” according to election officials.

Samoa News understands that the certified list of candidates is expected to be released later tonight or by tomorrow morning.

As previously reported by Samoa News, Chief Election Officer Uiagalelei Lealofi late last month announced the Special Election to be held on Sept. 12, 2023 from 6am to 6pm, at designated polling places for the Office of Representative for Manu’a District No. 1, for a term that will commence immediately and expire on Jan. 3, 2025. (Polling stations will be announced before the special election.)

The Special Election is to fill the vacant faipule seat left open following the passing of Rep. Alumamalu Ale Filoialii on June 28. Manu’a District #1, has two seats, the other is currently held by House Vice Speaker Fetui Fetu Jr.

Meanwhile, the Election Office said voter registration for Representative District No. 1 is currently open and will close at 4:30p.m.on Monday, Aug. 14, 2023.

Also, the Election Office is now accepting requests for outside absentee ballots for uniformed service voters, overseas voters and students attending institutions of learning outside of American Samoa. The last day to request an outside absentee ballot is 4:30p.m. on Aug. 28, 2023.

To request an off island absentee ballot, go online to the Election Office website at www.aselectionoffice.gov and download and complete form EO-08 (Request for Absentee Ballot).

According to the Election Office, Uniformed Services voters and overseas voters (outside of the US and Territories) may instead use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to request an absentee ballot.

Upon completion and certification of your request form, please submit the same to email address absentee@eo.as.gov or postal mail address to Election Office, P.O. Box 3970, Pago Pago, AS 96799.  Any questions, call the Election Office at 699-3570.