Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Election Office is reporting there were no challenges filed against any of the candidates on the list that the Election Office released on September 3, and all are cleared to have their names placed on the ballot for the November 5, general election.

Local absentee voting began this week at the Election Office in Tafuna from 8am to 4pm.

Under election law, voters who reside in American Samoa but will be temporarily absent from the territory on Election Day have the option to cast their vote by absentee ballot at the Election Office.

Those eligible for local absentee voting are individuals traveling for medical treatment, individuals traveling for military related duties, those traveling for employment related training, conference or assignment and individuals traveling for vacation.

Local absentee voting will continue up to November 4, the day before the general election.

The Election Office will also be open Saturdays and Holidays from 8am to 12:00 pm for local absentee voting and voter registration.

The teams certified to be on the ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 5, are as follows:

 Governor and Lt. Governor:

• •        Lemanu Palepoi Sialega Mauga and Laapui Talauega Eleasalo V Ale
• •        Pula Nikolao Pula and Pulu Ae Ae Jr.
• •        Vaitautolu Iaulualo and Mary Taufetee

Candidates for the US Congress:

• •        Aumua Amata
• •        Fualaau Rosie Tago Lancaster
• •        Luisa Kuaea
• •        Meleagi Suitonu Chapman

All members of the local House are seeking re-election.