‘Referendum’ on Saipan casino all set for Nov. 4

The Current Issues class of the Northern Marianas College is all set to conduct a “referendum” among voters whether they support casino gaming on Saipan. The results of the poll will be submitted to the Senate to guide lawmakers on policy decision relating to present and future casino legislation.

In a news briefing Monday night, Current Issues class instructor Sam McPhetres said this is the first time NMC students will be conducting a referendum of this magnitude following a request from Senate President Paul Manglona (Ind-Rota) and Sen. Ralph Torres (R-Saipan).

Saipan voters first rejected the Saipan casino initiative in 2007. However, similar measures continue to be introduced in the Legislature seeking its approval. Currently, a Saipan casino bill is awaiting Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s signature after the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation passed the local measure. Casino advocates claim that allowing casino gaming on Saipan will save the ailing economy.

The Current Issues class, made up of 60 students, will conduct the referendum on Nov. 4 from 8am to 5pm. The group designated four precinct poll stations that include NMC Building D for residents in San Antonio, San Vicente, and Koblerville. The Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center will be open for voters from Susupe, Chalan Kanoa, Oleai, and Garapan, while the Legislature will accommodate voters from Tanapag, San Roque, Capital Hill, and Northern Islands.

For Kagman residents, the designated polling place is the Kagman Community Center.

Early voting, meanwhile, is scheduled for Nov. 2 and 3, from 8am to 12pm, at the Man’amko Center and NMC Bldg. D-1.

McPhetres said the survey will comply with CNMI election procedures.

Three agencies have already confirmed their participation in conducting the survey. The Commonwealth Election Commission will provide both technical and logistical assistance such as ballot boxes. CEC executive director Robert Guerrero will also guide them through the steps to carry out the survey.

Both the Office of the Public Auditor and the Attorney General’s Office will provide poll watchers and ensure the security of ballots from opening to closing.

According to Lauren Chadwick and Roland Dowai, key members of the group’s central committee, they also requested assistance from the Department of Public Safety for some police visibility in the polling places and security of ballots on the day of the survey itself.

Target: 60 percent

CEC records show that there are over 12,000 registered voters on Saipan. The surveyors hope to have a 60-percent turnout.

This early, however, McPhetres concedes that a high turnout might be a challenge considering past experience-elections involving no personalities to vote for usually yield low turnouts.

“We’re still hoping that everything will go smoothly and achieve a high turnout. In our past experiences, if there is no person running for a position, the turnout is usually low. We will try to overcome that and we hope to get lots of voters even though there’s no personality being elected or voted on,” said McPhetres, adding that the group has enough manpower to meet contingency needs.

All registered voters by Oct. 21, 2011, will be eligible to vote.

Chadwick and Dowai said that 8,000 ballots have been printed that asks one question-answerable by yes or no-“Shall there be casino gambling in the Third Senatorial District (Saipan)?”

As soon as the polling places close at 5pm, tabulation will be conducted at the central station at NMC Blg. D-1 and results are expected the next day.

Non-binding

McPhetres emphasized that results of the advisory referendum is “non-binding” and only aims to assist CNMI leaders in deciding whether to propose any law or policy regarding casinos.

“We will be specifically copying what the normal election would be, but results are non-binding and nobody is committed to any particular course of action,” McPhetres told Saipan Tribune after the meeting.

Besides CEC, OPA, and OAG, the group will also be assisted by staffers of the Legislative Bureau on referendum day.

Although there are some costs involved in conducting the activity, McPhetres described the amount as “minimal.”

The group estimates the overall cost to reach $5,000, a portion of which will come from private sources and donations.

The NMC Student Center, for instance, printed the initial 8,000 ballots for free. They are also waiting confirmation on transportation and refreshment assistance. Every Thursday, groups and committees involved meet to provide updates. Orientation for poll watchers and other volunteers are also slated next week.

To prevent influencing voters, group members are silent about their personal opinion regarding casino gaming on Saipan. However, many said the results of the referendum may be a determining factor for their future.