Of the more than 30 individuals who have already picked up nomination papers and petitions, only two have submitted their documents, which are now going through the verification process, says Tuaolo M. Fruean, the chief election officer.

On Monday this week, the Election Office began making available to candidates for the Nov. 4th election nomination papers, petitions, and other election materials. The early release of such documents gives candidates ample time to return them before the deadline of 4:30p.m. on Sept. 2.

At the close of business on Wednesday, this week, 32 individuals had picked up nomination and petition materials and this includes six individuals — three men and three women — vying for the Delegate seat for the U.S. House, said Tuaolo in a statement yesterday.

So far, five individuals have announced their candidacy for the Congressional race: Tua’au Kereti Mata’utia Jr., Rosie Fuala’au Tago Lancaster, Meleagi Suitonu-Chapman, former Gov. Togiola Talalelei M. Tulafono and Aumua Amata.

There has not yet been an official announcement of the candidacy of the incumbent, Congressman Faleomavaega Eni.

For the local House of Representatives race, Tuaolo says 26 individuals — including eight incumbents — picked up nomination and petition materials. Of the total 26, four of them are female .

Only two Representative Districts have no individuals yet to pick up petition forms: Manu’a District #1 (comprising the villages of Ta’u, Fitiuta and Faleasao — which has two seats in the House) and District 10 — Maoputasi #4 (comprising the villages of Satala, Atuu and Leloaloa).

(Besides Manu’a District #1, the Representative Districts with two seats in the House are District 15 — Tualauta county, and District 12 — Ituau county.)

The verification process for petition forms submitted by individuals wishing to run in local elections to represent a district includes checking the names of those who signed petitions (they must be registered voters to sign) and checking if the candidate — and the petition signer — both reside in the district. (There have been problems in the past in this regard.)

The Election Office must also verify if the candidate is qualified to run for office in accordance with local law.