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3 lawmakers happy with CEC meeting, positive about fair elections
Sens. Paul A. Manglona (Ind-Rota) and Edith E. DeLeon Guerrero (D-Saipan) and Rep. Denita K. Yangetmai (D-Saipan) pose outside the Commonwealth Election Commission office in Susupe yesterday morning shortly after they held a meeting with CEC and Office of the Attorney General regarding absentee voting, among other issues. (FERDIE DE LA TORRE)
Sens. Paul A. Manglona (Ind-Rota) and Edith E. DeLeon Guerrero (D-Saipan) and Rep. Denita Yangetmai (D-Saipan) met with the Commonwealth Election Commission and Office of the Attorney General yesterday morning to express, among other issues, their concern about the procedure in dealing with absentee requests.
Manglona, DeLeon Guerrero, and Yangetmai had a meeting with CEC administrative officer Robin Sablan inside the CEC conference room in Susupe. Deputy attorney general Lillian A. Tenorio joined the meeting through Zoom as counsel for CEC.
Manglona in an interview shortly after they got out from CEC office said they requested for a meeting with CEC to talk about the Nov. 8 general election, making sure that there will be a good and fair election.
Manglona said they’re happy so far with what they’ve heard from their meeting with administrative officer Sablan and also with deputy AG Tenorio.
“I’m just concerned about the procedure. I asked about off island voters, how they’re being processed as the absentee requests are submitted,” he said.
Manglona said he wants to make sure that the absentee ballots are timely sent out to the voters in the U.S. mainland, all over Hawaii and Guam.
“Because we want to make sure everybody gets the opportunity to vote because I think we know the importance of voting. You can make a difference. Everyone can make a difference. We ask everyone to come out and vote,” Manglona said.
He said CEC should look for red flags in the application for absentee voting, but then at least send the absentee ballots right away to them and don’t delay.
“I’m happy to hear the answers and hopefully we have a smooth election,” Manglona said.
The Rota senator said DeLeon Guerrero raised points about CEC programming issues, but CEC is aware and they’re working on some of the issues.
“And so overall, I think we’re positive for fair elections coming up as they continue to do, transparency processing,” Manglona added.
