Previous Story
Revamp absentee voting rules
Sen. Frank Borja is on the right track to change the runoff into a primary election—not for the right reason but because of the absentee issue. How about prohibiting absentee voting to those who live abroad and are not contributing to the CNMI’s economy? Why do we have to spend tens of thousands so we could make them feel important when, in fact, it is ruining the lives of those who live on the islands? Take Tinian and Rota’s community. No offense to the two mayors-elect but those who stayed back to support their island and community through thick and thin, with the majority selecting their mayor on their respective islands, were silenced by those that chose to leave the island for a greener pastures.
Here’s a few concerns to think about: Other than the right to vote, do you have to roll out the red carpet too? What is the criteria and/or eligibility to be an absentee voter? Are all those U.S. citizens that voted here once or twice eligible to request for an absentee ballot? Why not make it like the old days when the only absentee allowed is if you’ll be travelling on election day and those under the payroll of the CNMI government that are working abroad such as the Guam and Honolulu Liaison Office. Other than that, if you want to vote then you have to be on your respective island. Otherwise, I feel they have no business meddling in our affairs. Remember that we are the ones that are feeling the pinch and are suffering. I also hope someone will come up with an idea on how not to spend tens of thousands for a few votes on the Northern Islands voting community. We cannot be spending money we don’t have so we could make five people vote. This so-called “civic duty” is getting to be ridiculous and insulting to the hardworking taxpayers. Anyway, if our leaders don’t see Tinian and Rota’s incidents as a problem, then hey, more power to the absentee voters.
Nicolas Quitugua
Garapan, Saipan
