Ads by Google Ads by Google

Feds provide $600K funding for American Samoa’s elections

Congresswoman Aumua Amata
Sources: Media release from Cong. Aumua Amata's office

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Aumua Amata highlighted the announcement of $600,000 in federal funds to secure and provide for American Samoa’s federal elections.

“These are important funds to provide for our islands’ participation in voting and choosing our leaders, as well as securing elections we can trust,” said Aumua Amata. “We are privileged to live in a constitutional republic, and these are some of the rights we celebrate every Flag Day.”

The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) was passed by Congress, and then signed on December 20, 2019, by President Donald J. Trump (as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020) into law. The Act includes funds made available to states and territories to improve the administration of elections for Federal office, including to enhance technology and make election security improvements. Importantly, American Samoa does not have to match the funds, unlike the states, based on economic qualifications written in the law by Congress.

“Congratulations to our Elections Office, which is nonpartisan and essential to our system,” continued Congresswoman Amata. “Congratulations to Dr. Uiagalelei Lealofi upon the upcoming use of these funds for our people.”

The 2020 HAVA Election Security Fund, authorized under Title I Section 101 of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002, marks the second new appropriations for HAVA grants since FY2010. This funding provides additional resources to secure and improve election administration.