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Election reform bill, other measures pass Senate
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Posted on Mar 10 2009
The Senate yesterday passed a bill amending the CNMI Election Law to allow, among other things, the counting of absentee ballots on the day of the election to promote fair, honest and transparent polls.
Senate Bill 16-22, which passed on an 8-0 vote, was introduced by Sen. Paul A. Manglona, who was the only senator absent during yesterday afternoon’s session.
Absentee ballots in the possession of the Election Commission on the day of the polling should be counted on Election Day to “remove a great deal of uncertainty regarding the outcome of elections and allow for a speedy transition of powers between outgoing and incoming officeholders,” the bill said.
It also aims to establish a clear policy governing elections in the CNMI and set procedures that would allow the Commonwealth Election Commission to more effectively and efficiently administer absentee voting and other matters.
Currently, the election law of the CNMI requires voters to proffer an excuse to vote by absentee ballot. “This requirement is outdated and an unnecessary barrier to the exercise of the franchise,” the bill said.
Other bills passed
The Senate also passed, on a 7-1 vote, S.B. 16-15, which establishes a Prudent Investor Act in the Commonwealth.
S.B. 16-49, which adjusts the salaries of Tinian and Rota resident directors, also passed the Senate on an 8-0 vote.
Senators also approved on an 8-0 vote House Bill 16-194, which adds the Northern Marianas Trades Institute to the list of educational institutions qualified for education tax credit.
The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 16-31, recognizing the courageous work of the U.S. Seabees who served on Saipan and Tinian during World War II.
S.R. 16-31, introduced by Sen. Maria Frica T. Pangelinan, also requests the U.S. Department of the Interior to build a monument in their honor in the American Memorial Park on Saipan.
