 Election law override allows extra days for special polling places overseasPalikir, POHNPEI (FSM Information Services): February 20, 2007 - An override of President Joseph J. Urusemal's veto of Congressional Act 14-118 has allowed for the special polling places in Guam and Honolulu to "remain open for seven days, including election day, to make certain other adjustments to the timing of the election activities, and for other purposes." The override became Public Law 14-98 on January 11 2007, during the Sixth Regular Session of the 14th Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia. Among other matters, the new law eliminated the requirement under the Revised Election Code that "all absentee ballot request forms must be individually mailed or delivered in person to the national election commissioner by the Registered Voter making the request." As a result, the National Elections Office adopted emergency amendments to the to the National Elections Regulations, among which noted that after January 11, the office would begin "accepting bulk delivery of absentee ballot request forms for all types of absentee voting (i.e., VAAPP, Special Polling Place, Absentee by Mail, Traveler and Mobile Polling Place)." In compliance with PL.14-98, the National Elections Office has also instated various emergency procedures to meet the requirements of the new law. Among the newly instated procedures is the requirement that any absentee request forms received in bulk prior to January 11, 2007 must be rejected. Additional information on the newly instated procedures and requirements can be obtained from: National Elections Office P.O. Box 1685 Kolonia, Pohnpei FM 96941 Telephone: (691) 320-4283 Facsimile: (691) 320-7534 Email: ned@mail.fm |