‘No more congestion after early voting’

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres casts his vote at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe. At right is Election Commission executive director Julita A. Villagomez. (Ferdie de la Torre)

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres thanked those in the community who chose to cast their votes early, as it would prevent congestion and long lines in polling places. As of Monday afternoon, more than 700 voted, raising the number of early voters to over 5,000 excluding Tinian and Rota.

Torres also availed of the early voting process and cast his ballot for GOP candidates running for the Third Senatorial District, Precinct 1 House of Representatives, and other elective posts. Early voting started on Nov. 1 and ended yesterday. Torres was joined at the polling station by first lady Diann Torres.

Re-electionist Sixto K. Igisomar is the GOP candidate going up against independent senatorial bet Ray Yumul for the lone Saipan senatorial post at stake. Reps. Angel A. Demapan, Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero, Antonio P. Sablan, and Joseph Lee Pan T. Guerrero are running for re-election with Janet U. Maratita and Gregorio M. Sablan Jr. as the other Precinct 1 candidates.

Reps. Roman C. Benavente and Edwin K. Propst are the other incumbent members of the House who are running as independents along with Joseph A. Flores, Anthony I. Duenas, and Ana S. Teregeyo.

Torres said people from the community had the chance to schedule the day when are they going to cast their vote with the weeklong early voting. “I’m very impressed and satisfied with the turnout of early voting. Folks were able to work on their schedule instead of being confined to one day, specifically for Tuesday.”

“Members of our community saw the advantage of voting early. …Our elderly were able to work on their schedules of checkup at the hospital. Early voting proved to be useful to all [voters, candidates, and Commonwealth Election Commission] since it gave the opportunity of having a full week of casting their votes,” said Torres.

He added that it would be easier to vote now for those who failed to take advantage of the early voting. “It would be a lot easier on election day with the early voting. It won’t be that crowded and congested like the way it should be.”

“That’s why I encourage everyone, especially to those who haven’t voted yet, to go out and vote early to avoid crowding. It is a great opportunity for our people to go out and vote,” Torres said. Early voters can now do other stuff since it is a holiday today. You can now spend time with your family.”

Torres said that he is optimistic of the fate of GOP candidates this election. “I’m really impressed with the turnout of the early voting and it is almost the same as the last general elections. The way we look at it, based on the numbers from the early voters and our supporters that came in, we are optimistic that our candidates are going to win.”