A referendum on direct election of governors and vice governors was held in American Samoa on 7 November 1972 alongside legislative elections.[1] Voters were asked to approve a proposal which permitted direct popular election of governors and lieutenant governors. The turnout of 28.20% was very low, and the measure was rejected, with 17.30% voting yes and 82.70 voting no.[2]
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| For | 17.3 | |
| Against | 82.7 | |
| Invalid/blank votes | – | |
| Total | 100 | |
| Registered voters/turnout | 28.2 | |
| align=left colspan=3 | Source: Direct Democracy |
Following the referendum, Governor John Morse Haydon was called before a Civil Service Commission tribunal, having been charged with pressurising district governors to encourage voters to vote against the proposals,[3] and of using state radio and television to oppose the proposal on the day before the vote and polling day.[4] However, the charges were dismissed as it was determined that Haydon had not violated the Hatch Act of 1939, as it only applied to elections and not referendums.[1]
An identical measure would be put before voters three more times in 1973, 1974 and August 1976 until it was approved in November 1976.