Voters of America Samoa head to the polls today to decide who will be the territory’s Governor and Lt. Governor for the next four years.
The run-off election today is between the two teams that received the most votes in the gubernatorial race on November 5.
Pulaalii Nikolao Pula and Pulu Ae Ae Jr. who topped the polls with 4,284 votes or 42.4% of the 10,113 votes cast face incumbents, Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga and Lt. Governor Laapui Talauega Eleasalo Ale who received 3,660 or 36.2% of the votes.
Pulaalii and Pulu have been endorsed by the third team that was in the gubernatorial race, Vaitautolu Talia Iaulualo and Maefau Dr. Mary Taufetee who received 2,169 votes or 21.4%.
Election Commissioner Dr. Lealofi Uiagalelei is urging voters to get out and use their democratic right to elect the territory’s leaders today. 
Just 60% of 15,445 registered voters had cast ballots on November 5. The Election Office says usually there’s a drop in voter turn out in a run off election.
A prayer service was held at the Election Office before 4 this morning, led by Catechist Vaa of the Futiga Catholic Church. He asked for God’s blessings for a peaceful Election Day and for his protection on the Election Office staff who are overseeing the voting throughout the territory.
Election Commissioner Dr. Uiagalelei impressed upon Election Office staff and poll workers that the success of today’s elections depend on them, and he believed they are well prepared for the task.
Election Office official Ma’e Poe Faumuina said that during the general election some voters took cell phones into the polling places and photos of the ballots were posted on Facebook.
He said cell phones are prohibited in the polling place, and he urged poll workers to screen voters to make sure they do not take their cell phones into the voting booth.
Under police escort a convoy of vehicles transporting poll workers, ballot boxes, and portable voting tables made their way to the polling places throughout Tutuila.
Election Commissioner Dr. Uiagalelei expects that by 10pm, at the latest, the complete results of today’s voting will be known.
Polling places are open from 6am till 6pm. The sale of alcohol is prohibited while polls are open.
Our election coverage will be on V103 starting at 7pm.
