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Roll of new voters at 310
Most are fresh graduates, new citizens
Julita Villagomez
So far, a total of 310 mostly fresh high school graduates and those who were just sworn in as new U.S. citizens last July 4, have joined the roster of new voters
Commonwealth Election Commission executive director Julita Villagomez told Saipan Tribune that as of 11am yesterday, there are now 12,890 registered voters on Saipan and the Northern Islands, 1,621 on Tinian, and 1,818 on Rota—for a total of 16,329 registered voters in the CNMI.
In the 2016 general election, there were a total of 17,928 registered voters in the CNMI.
The next election is the general election on Nov. 6, 2018, which will include the selection of a governor and lieutenant governor.
Villagomez said a lot of new voters are new high school graduates who have registered with CEC to beat the deadline to submit their scholarship applications.
Voter registration is among the requirements for students to obtain some scholarships and in pursuing college education.
Villagomez said many of those who recently took their oaths as U.S. citizens also registered as new voters.
Last July 3, a total of 28 individuals took their oaths in federal court as new U.S. citizens.
The CEC opened the registration period a week after the November 2016 election. The deadline to register is 60 days before the Nov. 8, 2018 election.
Villagomez encouraged eligible persons to register now as there are no lines.
To register, CEC just needs either a valid U.S. passport or a copy of one’s birth certificate.
Even those who are just 17 years old now are already eligible to register as a voter as long as they are qualified and will already be 18 years old by the November 2018 election.
July 9, 2018, is the first day for submission for nominating petitions and candidacy.
