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BOE backs initiative on special elections
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Posted on Sep 13 2000
The Board of Elections has backed a legislative initiative seeking to permit special polls in the CNMI separate from general elections to vote on proposals that will amend provisions of the Constitution.
BOE Executive Director Gregorio C. Sablan said HLI 12-4 has “great merit” in light of several comments made by voters when initiatives were presented in the balloting during previous elections.
They had suggested that amendments to the Constitution be conducted separate from elections to select officials to public offices, he wrote in his testimony to the House Committee on Judiciary and Government Operations which is reviewing the proposal.
“Some suggest that the partisan politics intrinsic to general elections detract the people’s attention from the issues incorporated in the initiatives,” said Mr. Sablan.
“Others suggest that the lack of public education diminishes chances that voters will make informed decisions,” he added. “A good number just do not cast votes on these types of ballots.”
Based on legislative findings, changes to the Constitution must be considered “very carefully” as they may not draw sufficient attention given the highly political nature of the general elections on the islands.
Sponsored by JGO chair Rep. Dino M. Jones, the initiative will authorize holding of a special election no later than 90 days after being certified by the Attorney General.
But Mr. Sablan recommended amendment to HLI 12-4 to make the date no later than 90 days after receipt by BOE.
“Since the timeline is something which the [board] is held accountable, it is important that time tolls upon our receipt rather than upon certification by some other government agency,” he said.
The initiative will still require three-fourths vote of each house before it is included in the balloting in the November 2001 general elections.
