Previous Story
Candidates, public warned vs buying, selling votes
|
Posted on Apr 05 2005
The Commonwealth Election Commission has reminded political candidates and the electorate of the consequences of buying or selling votes.
According to a notice issued by the commission, the CNMI election law prohibits anyone from giving or receiving anything of value in exchange for a promise to vote for or any candidate or issue on the ballot, or even a promise to vote or not to vote.
The commission also noted that candidates or their campaign committee are barred from giving any monetary or in-kind contributions to encourage a voter to support or oppose a candidate, or even to encourage or discourage someone from voting in an election.
Such contributions include airplane tickets, purchase of fundraising tickets, payments of utility, television or telephone charges, car rentals, car repair, and the like.
“Any person who commits any of these offenses may be found guilty of a felony offense that is punishable by a fine not greater than $50,000 or imprisonment of not more than [five] years, or both,” the commission said.
Further, the election body reminded candidates that they are required to diligently ensure that all expenses made on their behalf, by any person or committee, are properly itemized and reported to the Office of the Public Auditor on appropriate forms.
Candidates were also urged to call the public auditor for information regarding the dos and don’ts of filing campaign receipts and expenditures.
