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CNMI’s first-time voters weigh in on Nov. 8 polls
With the elections approaching soon, a couple of community members were asked about their concerns and ideas about voting for the first time.
Kenneth Silapan, 21, was asked what he look for in a candidate. He said, “I look for…someone who says they will do something, and actually go through with it. That’s pretty much all I look for in one.”
When asked about the most important thing a first-time voter should do, Silapan said, “They have to obtain the willpower to step up and obtain the knowledge of all candidates. They must know what they support, their promises, and any dirt held against them. Then, if there is something they [voters] want changed, they have to actually vote on the person more likely to make it happen.”
According to Silapan, he does not want candidates who constantly talk about unrelated issues that just derail progress, whether if it pertains to the future or the past. He wishes to be concerned with issues in the present and steps that can be taken to better the future, instead of worrying about problems that could theoretically exist.
He currently has someone he wishes to vote for.
Another first-time voter is 18-year-old Alyssa Velasco. When asked what she looks for in a candidate, Velasco said, “Someone who has a clear plan on how to handle the issues that the CNMI faces and possesses leadership qualities and experience they can bring to the office. Also, someone who is completely genuine and isn’t running for any ulterior motives.”
When asked what problems she believes should be addressed, Velasco said, “I believe CW workers have definitely earned the right to some form of residency here in the CNMI. A large portion of the workforce here consists of CW workers and they probably have been loyal and hardworking in their respective fields for decades.”
Velasco has yet to decide on who she will vote for come Nov. 8.
