Brief Chat
The upcoming election for the Guam elections are witnessing an unexpectedly low number of candidates , with both major parties fielding less than 15 candidates each . This phenomenon has sparked discussions about the political engagement of the people of Guam and the potential reasons behind this reduced candidate turnout .
The Aug . 3 primary and the Nov . 5 general elections are critical moments for Guam ’ s political landscape .
The Guam legislature consists of 15 seats , and the turnout of candidates has been a measure of political enthusiasm and civic engagement . Neither party has completed the 15-spot slate . The Democratic Party of Guam has 11 candidates — eight are incumbents — which is an aberration of sorts given that this party has historically been a crowded lot . The Republican camp has 14 candidates — six are sitting senators .
The thin crowd of candidates this year raises questions about the underlying factors contributing to this trend . “ With candidate participation , it is a midterm election which generally decreases the interest in this election cycle ,” said Tony Babauta , chair of the Democratic Party of Guam . “ It ’ s really up to others who are running for office , and others who are helping others run for office , to try to generate , not only new registered voters , but for those voters who are already registered to get that vote out .”
One major factor could be political disillusionment among the populace . Guam residents have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the current political climate . Issues such as governmental corruption , inefficiency and economic disparities have contributed to a growing sense of disenchantment . The perception that elected officials are not adequately addressing these concerns may deter potential candidates from participating in the electoral process .
“ People on Guam are very engaged in what ’ s happening in their community , and I think for some , it ’ s trying to figure out how best to express your satisfaction or your dissatisfaction , and engaging in that process , apart from talking to friends and families and being on social
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Tony Babauta
chairman , Democratic Party of Guam
Apathy or disillusionment ? Examining Guam ’ s low candidate turnout in 2024 media ,” said Babauta , a principal at Babauta International Group . “ But how do you exact change if there ’ s something that you ’ re dissatisfied with , or if there ’ s something that you ’ re satisfied with ?
Before starting a private business , Babauta served as the governor ’ s chief of staff from 2019 to 2020 . He served as assistant secretary of the Interior for Insular Areas under President Barack Obama . He resigned in 2014 amid the inspector general ’ s investigation into travels and grants management at his office .
“ How do you affirm your thoughts about what ’ s going on in your community and the decisions that your leaders have been making for the island ?” Babauta added . “ Go register to vote . But even before the election days , we always try to encourage everyone to read up about those who are asking for your vote . Understand their background , know what they ’ re saying , what their positions are .”
Moreover , the stringent requirements and high costs associated with running for office can also be barriers for many potential candidates . According to the Guam Election Commission , a senatorial candidate must gather a minimum of 250 signatures to qualify for the ballot , and the campaign finance regulations can be daunting for newcomers without substantial financial backing .
Political parties themselves are also grappling with these challenges . The Democratic and Republican parties in Guam have acknowledged the difficulties in fielding a full slate of candidates . Party officials have cited a variety of reasons , including the personal and financial toll of campaigning , as well as the perceived ineffectiveness of the legislature in bringing about meaningful change .
Additionally , the intense scrutiny and high expectations placed on public officials can discourage individuals from stepping into the political arena . The legacy of corruption scandals and the demanding nature of legislative duties contribute to a political environment that is both challenging and unattractive to many qualified individuals .
“ At least from the circle that I run around in which the demographic is between 35 and 65 , people that I talk to , whether I know them or not , are very aware of the issues and the challenges that the island faces ,” Babauta said . “ What I try to do is try to motivate them into action .”
Babauta acknowledged the importance of having a conversation and understanding different perspectives . He expressed that while he may not entirely disagree and might even completely agree with certain points , the focus should be on making meaningful changes . Babauta emphasized the importance of electing individuals capable of solving problems and addressing concerns . To achieve this , he encouraged everyone to go out and register to vote .
Moreover , increasing civic education and engagement at the grassroots level can help cultivate a new generation of leaders who are committed to public
By Ron Rocky Coloma
service . Initiatives that involve young people in the political process , such as student government programs and internships with elected officials , can also help bridge the gap between the electorate and their representatives .
“ But then even in the interim , remaining active , remaining engaged with those leaders , when you see them in the store , at the movie theater or in the community or at a party or something like that , go up and talk to them , tell them that they ’ re doing a good job , or tell them that they ’ re doing a poor job ,” Babauta said . “ That ’ s the power of being a constituent and being able to talk to your elected leaders , which is a benefit in a small community like Guam .
Babauta worked in Washington , D . C . for 15 years and knew that members of Congress would return to their districts . Even when he was living in Northern Virginia , he never encountered his representative at the grocery store , gas station or even at a party . On Guam , such encounters are run-of-the-mill .
“ It ’ s more common to run into them , and like I said , tell them that they ’ re doing a good job . And if they ’ re doing something that you disagree with , then speak to them about it and have that conversation and let them understand a different point of view ,” Babauta said . “ And that ’ s how you remain a constituent . That ’ s how you remain engaged with your leaders , and you do that at every level .”
* We attempted to seek comments from the Republican Party but we have not received a response as of press time