Residents of the United States territories, like those on the mainland, participate in local elections to choose their leaders and shape policies at home. But unlike states, the territories do not have voting power in federal elections. On National Voter Registration Day, it is worth examining how residents in Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa can register to vote in their respective territories.
Puerto Rico does not offer mail-in registration, but it does allow online registration (which is often the fastest way to register) and in-person registration. Military service members and those living abroad can also register to vote by requesting an absentee ballot with the Federal Voting Assistance Program. To qualify for registration, one must be at least 18 years old, have an established residency in Puerto Rico, and not be mentally incompetent per court. A letter with information such as name, date of birth, address, gender, and reason for not being able to go to the polls must be written to the State Elections Commission 60 days before the election to obtain an absentee ballot.
One can register to vote in Guam online, in person, when applying for a driver’s license, or by requesting an absentee ballot. Residents can also register through the Guam Election Commission, Suite 202 of the Oka Building in Tamuning. To be eligible to register, one must be a US citizen, a resident of Guam, and at least 18 years old. One is not eligible if a judge has ruled they cannot vote, if confined to a mental institution, or if serving time in prison. In Guam, a driver’s license number, ID number, and the last four digits of their social security number are needed to register. In-person, individuals must provide a US passport and a valid ID. Voter registration is year-round in non-election years. In election years, voter registration closes ten days prior to Election Day and reopens on the first business day after Election Day.
The United States Virgin Islands do not offer online registration. Instead, citizens must register to vote in person at an Election System office location. Residents must provide an original version of acceptable identification there. This includes a birth certificate, a US passport, a military discharge form, or a naturalization certificate. All registered voters can also request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. To be eligible to register to vote, one must be at least 18 years of age, a US citizen, and a citizen of the US Virgin Islands. One cannot be a convicted felon, ruled mentally incompetent by a Court, and registered to vote elsewhere.
In the Northern Mariana Islands, residents register to vote either online, by mail, or through their elections office of the Commonwealth Election Commission. They must fill out an affidavit (a written statement confirmed by affirmation) and provide either a US passport, a Birth Certificate (picture identification card included), or a certificate of Naturalization (picture identification card also included). Individuals must not be confined to either prison or a mental institution. Other qualifications include being at least 18 years old, being a citizen, and living in the territory for at least 120 days. The Northern Mariana Islands also imposes restrictions on when a voter can register. As such, one can register any time throughout the year, but not later than 60 days prior to an election.
American Samoa does not offer online registration or mail-in registration through the American Samoa Election Office. Residents will have to register at either their state or local office. They can also register through a state motor vehicles office and at many public assistance offices. Military members, unlike citizens, can register through the mail, and those living abroad can register with the Federal Voting Assistance Program. To be able to register, one needs to be at least 18 years old. One must also be an American citizen and a resident of American Samoa. Residents must provide proper identification (birth date, name, and address) in the form of an affidavit to apply.
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