Brave new world for first-time voters

At 62 years old, Chang Whan Jang, who teaches math at Hopwood Junior High School, voted for the first time in the CNMI yesterday. He became eligible to vote last summer, after 34 years living and working in the CNMI.

He said he was excited to take part in this year’s election. He wants the next governor to be an honest leader who will “build for the future.”

“This [CNMI] is part of the [United States]…so I will really want [CNMI] to be fair, and consistent with U.S. laws, even if we are out here,” he said.

He said he would gladly take part in a runoff election if called for and hoped for “many more elections to come.”

“I’m still healthy,” he said.

Nineteen-year-old Jennyca Bery voted for the first time as well. She said other than a select few, she did not know most of the candidates on the ballot.

“I was kind of lost,” she said.

But she said she definitely looks to be more informed next time around.

Bery just graduated from Marianas High School in May. She said most of her friends have not voted before and it has been a new experience for them.

In helping choose the islands’ next leaders, Bery said she looks for those who care about contract workers like her parents. She also looks for commitment to education, as she believes there is a lot of room for improvement in public schools.

She assured that she will return to the polls if a runoff election happens.

Another first-time voter, Ruine Justo, who is 61 years old, voted at the Gilbert Ada Gymnasium yesterday morning.

“I voted with my mother today,” he said. His mom is 81 years old.

“We’re Taotao Saipan,” he said.

He got his citizenship this year, on Aug. 29.

“This is my first time [voting]. I arrived here in 1983. My four sons are also voting. I am very happy,” he said.

Justo said all he wants in a leader is honesty. He also said a good economy will mean peace and order.

Carl Roque, who is 18 and voting for the first time, said he only knew some of the candidates.

“Not much of my friends really know. Most of them are off-island, only a few are here,” he said.

Another new voter, Norlyn, is not originally from the CNMI but became a citizen last year when she got married to a local citizen. She was excited to finally get to vote after 10 years living in the CNMI.

“I can vote for the leaders that I really admire,” she said.