Decision 2004 Voter’s Information Pamphlet

TIME OFF FOR VOTING
Pursuant to Section 9127, Title 3 Elections, Guam Code Annotated, every voter is entitled to absent himself from his place of employment for two (2) consecutive hours between the time of opening and the time of closing the polls. The voter shall not be penalized nor shall any deductions be made from his usual salary or wages because of such absence.

WARNING
Every person who willfully causes, procures or allows himself or any person to be registered as a voter, knowing himself or that other person not to be entitled to registration, is guilty of a felony of third degree.


Prepared by:
Guam Election Commission
P.O. Box BG
Hagåtña, Guam 96932
414 West Soledad Avenue
Guam Capital Investment
Corporation Inc.
Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Hagåtña
(671) 477-9791/2/3


Dear Voter:
The Guam Election Commission has prepared this “Voter Information Pamphlet” to provide you with information on Registration and Absentee Voting Procedures for the 2004 Elections.  In the event that you may need further information, please visit our office or call 477-9791/2/3. We will be happy to assist you.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURES

QUALIFICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION

You may register to vote if you meet the following:

• Not confined to a mental institution, nor judicially declared insane;
• Not serving a sentence of imprisonment;
• Citizen of the United States;
• Legal resident of Guam; and
• Eighteen (18) years of age by election day.

WHEN TO REGISTER
You may register anytime during the year but not later than ten (10) days prior to an election.

HOW AND WHERE TO REGISTER
You may register to vote by completing an Affidavit of Registration at any of the following:

• The Election Commission’s office;
• With a Deputized Volunteer Registrar or
• At your Village Mayor’s Office (21 days prior to an election)

RENEWAL OF REGISTRATION
Once registered, you do not need to register again unless you:

• Did not vote at the 2000 and 2002 General Election; or
• Are transferring your voting district.

Failure to renew your registration in the above instances will prevent you from voting.

APPLICATION/REGISTRATION BY MAIL
If you are off-island or a homebound voter, you may request for an Absentee Ballot Application which constitutes as your Affidavit of Registration or if in the Armed Forces, you may use an SF-76 form.

REGISTRATION DEADLINES
Primary Election: Monday, August 25, 2004.
General Election: Wednesday, October 22, 2004.
*NOTE* Hours of Registration will be published and announced for both elections. Registration will take place at your Village Mayor’s Office. Potential registrants may also register at the Commission’s office.

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VOTING PROCEDURE

ABSENTEE VOTING
If you are unable to physically vote at your polling place, you may vote by Absentee Ballot.

CONDITIONS UPON THE RIGHT TO VOTE BY ABSENTEE BALLOT

• The conduct of his business or necessary travel;
• Illness or physical disability;
• Service in the Armed Forces or Merchant Marine of the United States;
• Employment with the island of Guam which would prevent the voter from going to the polls on election day.
• Attendance at an institution of learning;
• Employment in the Service of the United States or any federal agency;
• Accompanying a spouse engaged in any of the above activities.

HOW TO APPLY
An Absentee Ballot Application Form must be completed and filed by each voter for the Primary Election. Your application will also be considered an application for the General Election.

ABSENTEE APPLICATION DEADLINES

OFF ISLAND/HOMEBOUND VOTER:
To vote in the Primary Election, applications must be received by September 1, 2004 (However preferably before the deadline in order for your ballot to be received on time).
To vote in the General Election, applications must be received by October 29, 2004. (However preferably before the deadline in order for your ballot to be received on time).
*NOTE* For homebound voters, you are required to provide a map and contact number of where you can be located.  Upon approval of your application, your Absentee Ballot will be sent to you once they become available.

IN-OFFICE VOTER
To vote in the Primary Election, you must fill out an application and cast your ballot in the Commission’s office between August 5, 2004 and September 3, 2004.
To vote in the General Election, you must fill out an application and cast your ballot in the Commission’s office between October 1, 2004 and November 1, 2004. 

HOSPITALIZED VOTER:
If you are hospitalized on Election Day, you may request to vote by Absentee Ballot. Contact the Commission’s office at 477-9791/2/3 as early as possible.
*NOTE* For registration purposes, the Commission must receive your application by August 25, 2004 for the Primary Election and October 22, 2004 for the General Election.

DATE OF ELECTIONS

PRIMARY: Saturday, September 4, 2004
GENERAL: Tuesday, November 2, 2004
TIME OF ELECTION
Polls open at 7:00a.m. and close at 8:00p.m.


OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION

PRIMARY: (Nomination)
Legislature, Non-Voting Delegate to the House of Representatives, Mayor, and Vice Mayor.

GENERAL: Legislature, Non-Voting Delegate to the House of Representatives, Mayor and Vice Mayor, Public Auditor, Guam Education Policy Board, Consolidated Commission on Utilities, Plebiscite, Gambling Initiative and Judicial Question.