Maria Decherong, commission administrative officer, said the date was based on a provision of the casino referendum law signed by President Johnson Toribiong on December 29, 2010.
It provides that the referendum will be held 180 days after the law becomes effective.
It also requires the election commission to announce the date of the referendum “not later than 90 days prior to the date on which the referendum will be conducted.”
Decherong said those who are qualified to vote but are not registered may submit his or her application to vote in accordance with applicable laws.
Any person who is currently in the general registry need not re-register in order to vote in the referendum.
Registration is ongoing and the deadline is 15 days before the holding of the referendum.
Decherong said the commission is in the process of preparing for the electoral exercise and identifying the polling places.
They expect a low turnout for the referendum.
“Just like in previous referendums and special elections, we expect a 50 percent or fewer turnout among the voters,” she added.
Palau has more than 15,000 registered voters.
In the referendum, voters will be asked whether they approve casino gaming.
If a majority of the votes cast are in favor, the national legislature must enact legislation establishing a casino gaming commission.
If majority of the voters rejects it, the national legislature cannot consider the issue again.
