Voter Registration in American Samoa: Requirements and Process

Voter registration in American Samoa operates under a distinct legal framework shaped by the territory's unique constitutional and political status. Eligibility rules, documentation requirements, and procedural steps differ from those in the 50 states and reflect the territory's self-governing structure under the American Samoa Constitution. This reference covers the scope of eligibility, the registration mechanism, common applicant scenarios, and the boundaries that determine qualification or disqualification.

Definition and scope

Voter registration in American Samoa is the formal process by which eligible residents record their identity and qualification with territorial election authorities, establishing the right to participate in local and territorial elections. The governing framework derives from the American Samoa Revised Code (ASCA), specifically Title 6, which establishes election law for the territory.

The scope of registration covers elections for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, members of the American Samoa Fono (the bicameral legislature), and the non-voting Delegate to Congress. Because American Samoa residents who have not acquired U.S. citizenship are classified as U.S. nationals — not citizens — territorial election law, rather than federal statute, defines the franchise. This distinction is covered in detail under American Samoa nationality and citizenship law.

The election authority responsible for voter registration is the American Samoa Election Office, which operates under the executive branch of the territorial government. The broader structure of that branch is described at American Samoa Executive Branch.

How it works

Registration is administered through the American Samoa Election Office, located in Fagatogo. The process requires in-person application at the Election Office or at designated registration sites during official voter registration drives. Online registration is not available under the current territorial framework.

Eligibility requirements:

1. Nationality or citizenship — The applicant must be a U.S. national born in American Samoa, or a naturalized U.S. citizen who has established domicile in the territory.
2. Age — The applicant must be at least 18 years of age on or before the date of the election for which registration is sought.
3. Residency — The applicant must be a bona fide resident of the territory and of the specific county or district in which registration is sought. Residency is established through domicile — the place where the individual maintains a fixed, permanent home with the intent to remain.
4. Mental competency — Individuals adjudicated as mentally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction are ineligible.
5. Felony status — Individuals serving a sentence for a felony conviction, including probation or parole in connection with such a conviction, are disqualified under ASCA election provisions.

Documentation typically required includes proof of identity (government-issued photo ID or comparable document), proof of domicile (utility bill, lease agreement, or sworn affidavit), and, where applicable, proof of birth in American Samoa or naturalization certificate.

The registration rolls are maintained by district. American Samoa is divided into 3 administrative districts — Eastern District, Western District, and Manu'a District — each corresponding to distinct registration and polling jurisdictions. Swains Island, administered separately, constitutes an additional jurisdiction for election purposes.

Common scenarios

U.S. national born in American Samoa: This is the most common registration scenario. A person born on the island who has not naturalized holds U.S. national status. Such individuals are eligible to register and vote in territorial elections under ASCA. They are not eligible to vote in U.S. presidential elections or congressional elections held in the 50 states.

Naturalized U.S. citizen residing in American Samoa: A naturalized citizen who establishes bona fide domicile in the territory may register for territorial elections. The same residency documentation requirements apply as for nationals.

American Samoa native residing in a U.S. state: A U.S. national who has relocated to one of the 50 states does not acquire the right to vote in federal elections solely by virtue of presence, as nationals without citizenship do not meet the constitutional eligibility requirement for federal office elections. This population cannot register in American Samoa if domicile has been transferred and cannot register federally without naturalization.

First-time registrant under age 18: Pre-registration is not established in territorial election law. Registration becomes available only upon reaching the age of 18.

Decision boundaries

The table below contrasts registration eligibility across the two primary population categories:

The absence of Electoral College representation for American Samoa means that no resident — regardless of citizenship status — participates in U.S. presidential elections. This structural exclusion flows from American Samoa's territorial status and its federal relationship with the United States.

Registration deadlines apply on a per-election basis and are set by the American Samoa Election Office in accordance with ASCA Title 6. Failure to register before the established closing date results in exclusion from the relevant election cycle, with no provisional registration available at the polling place.

The full landscape of elections and related processes is covered under American Samoa Elections and Voting. For a broad orientation to the territorial government and its administrative structure, see the American Samoa Government Authority index.

References

• American Samoa Code Annotated (ASCA), Title 6 — Elections
• American Samoa Election Office — Government of American Samoa
• American Samoa Constitution
• U.S. Department of the Interior — Office of Insular Affairs: American Samoa
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — U.S. Nationals