Ads by Google Ads by Google

Proposed constitutional amendment will be on this year's election ballot

Change gives the Fono authority to override the Governor's veto
fili@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga has directed Chief Election Officer, Dr. Lealofi Uiagalelei, to place one Constitutional amendment on the ballot for the November 2018 general election, in which electors will also vote for American Samoa’s Delegate to the US Congress and the local House of Representatives.

Nomination papers for those interested in seeking public office will be available later this month from the Election Office.

REFERENDUM

Before the close of the 3rd Regular Session of the 35th Legislature, the House endorsed a Senate Joint Resolution, which gives the Fono authority to override a veto by the governor, instead of the US Interior Secretary.

The Joint Resolution also requests the governor to direct the Chief Election Officer to place this matter on the next general election ballot.

In a May 9th letter, Lolo carried out his duties as dictated by the Constitution, by directing Uiagalelei to place the proposed Constitutional amendment “on the ballot for presentment to the voters at the next General Election scheduled for Nov. 6, 2018”.

CANDIDATES

For those wanting to run for public office this year, the Election Office says that on June 29th, nomination papers will be available for those interested in the Faipule seat and the US Congressional seat during this year’s midterm election.

Deadline for filing nomination papers is Sept. 1, 2018. “We urge everyone to please complete and submit their nomination papers as early as possible to avoid last minute rush hour,” Uiagalelei said in a statement yesterday through his office.

In the Congressional race, Congresswoman Aumua Amata has already announced her plans to seek re-election. The only challenger so far who has made an official announcement, through advertisement in Monday’s Samoa News edition, is Meleagi Suitonu-Chapman who has unsuccessfully in past elections, challenged the incumbent.

Meanwhile, Uiagalelei reminds those who haven’t registered to vote, to stop by the Election Office and register to vote.  Documents needed to complete voter registration include:

•     Birth Certificate/ Passport,

•     Social Security Card and

•     Photo ID

Must be 18 years old, US citizen, or US national to qualify.

For our UOCAVA Voters (Military and Overseas voters), requests for absentee ballots started January 1, 2018 and will run until October 23, 2018, according to the Election Office.