Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Rep. Gafatasi Afalava this week called for a hearing with the Election Commissioner to discuss the possibility of amending the law to allow voters unable to travel home to cast absentee ballots. He said that the closing of the borders with Hawaii may disenfranchise many local voters who are stranded in Hawaii and the mainland.

 According to Gafatasi, many of those stranded off island traveled for medical appointments and have been wanting to come home but can’t because flights are suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. Gafatasi said many of his supporters are in that predicament.

Gafatasi then requested that the Election Commissioner be called in to discuss the possibility of amending the law to allow residents stuck off island due to the pandemic to vote absentee.

Vice Speaker Fetu Fetui Jr echoed Gafatasi’s statement and urged a hearing with the Election Commissioner be scheduled soon to discuss this important issue.

Fetui Jr proposed that the House send a request to the Governor to allow a flight to bring in the stranded residents. He said an elderly man from his District has been stuck off island for many months and is distressed because he wants to return home.