A special election for House of Representatives District #6 will be held in March this year to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Rep. Lemapu Suiaunoa Talo, who will be laid to rest tomorrow following final funeral services.

The Constitution states in part that the governor shall issue a “writ of election” to fill a  vacancy, except when a vacancy occurs within three months of the next regular election, in which case no special election will be held.  Instead, the governor is to appoint a qualified person to fill the seat, after consulting with county chiefs in the House district.

In accordance with the Constitution, Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga on Jan. 20 issued the “writ”  for the special election to filled the vacant seat. With the writ issued, Chief Election Officer, Tuaolo M. Fruean announced yesterday that a special election will be held Mar. 20 with designated polling stations to open for 12 hours starting at 6a.m.

Additionally, candidate nomination petitions and forms are now available to be picked up at the Election Office. Deadline to file a petition is 4:30p.m. on Friday, Feb 6. Further, voter registration for District #6 is now open until 4:30p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18.

The Election Office is also accepting absentee ballot requests for uniform service voters, overseas voters and students attending off island colleges and universities. To request an off island absentee ballot online, go to: www.americansamoaelectionoffice.org