Several potential candidates are taking the first official step toward the Decision 2026 Guam election. The Guam Election Commission began distributing candidate packets last week.

15 potential candidates have started paperwork to run for office this election-- a mix of incumbents and newcomers vying for seats in Adelup, the legislature, US Congress and more.  So far in the race for Adelup, Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio and Senator Tina Muna Barnes picked up candidate packets under the democratic ticket and Vice Speaker Tony Ada and businessman E.J. Calvo under the republican ticket. 

Former chief prosecutor Phil Tydingco got a packet for attorney general, as did incumbent James Moylan for delegate. 

GEC executive director Maria Pangelinan says the early candidate turnout could be better, saying, "I hope there are more because actually across the nation, voter participation is driven by the candidates."

Packets have been available since January 5. Pangelinan says a competitive ballot means more voters will show up at the polls, adding, "Our voter participation has been dwindling."

Last election, Guam saw a historic low voter participation in 2024– only 48.3% of 62,091 registered voters casted their ballots. Pangelinan says the GEC is doing their part to increase voter turnout this year.

"One of the things we are doing right now is we have a 'I voted' sticker contest going on with all the schools," Pangelinan explained. "We want the new stickers to be designed by the schoolchildren. Hopefully we can get their parents, the faculty and staff of the school to come out and vote."

She adds it's easy to register to vote-- at the GEC office or in every mayor's village office. But the director notes this year, there is a key change: new voters or voters updating their name or village must verify U.S. citizenship. 

"There’s a new requirement that they have to submit proof of citizenship. All they have to do is just send us either a copy of their passport, birth certificate or naturalization certificate," she said.

Candidates will also see changes this election cycle.  Campaign finance rules have been updated, as she said, "Now they have to file every quarter, where in the past they only had to file preliminary reports right before the primary, right before the general and finally after the primary and general."

Candidates must pay closer attention to contribution limits and reporting deadlines, or they could face up to a $1,000 fine.  The GEC will accept completed candidate packets for the August 1 primary from February 23 to May 1.

"The Government of Guam affects everybody here on Guam. Who runs the Government of Guam is who gets elected," Pangelinan said. "Come out on August 1 and November 3 and make your voices heard."