‘More voters mean better outcome’

A day after Gov. Eloy S. Inos encouraged voters to exercise their right to suffrage, other CNMI officials also urged the island community to come out and vote in today’s general elections.

Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) said the CNMI has one of the biggest percentages of the population who take part in the election process.

“More people in the Northern Mariana Islands turn out to vote than in almost any other place in America. We should all be very proud of that record. It shows how much we value our right of self-government,” Sablan said. “I encourage everyone to come out to vote today so can we maintain our proud record. “

Senate President Ralph Torres (R-Saipan), who is running as Inos’ lieutenant governor under the CNMI Republican Party, echoed Sablan’s call.

“Come out and vote. The more voters we have, the better outcome for our elections. …I want to thank our supporters and I wish all candidates the best of luck.”

House Speaker Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero (Ind-Saipan) said elections are always the best time that people can have their voices heard.

“Everybody should exercise their right to vote. This is their chance to make a difference in policy, direction, and who their leaders are going to be. It’s very important and it’s an opportunity for them to play a role in our democratic process.”

On a personal note, Deleon Guerrero said he’s relieved more than anything that the campaign season finally came to a close.

“I’m just kind glad that this is the final day where all our work and efforts is coming to a peak. After tomorrow it’s really going to be in the people hands. As an incumbent, I always look at it as grading day. It’s the people’s turn to rate my colleagues and me. Depending if I get a satisfactory grade, I might come back.”

Sablan’s opponent in the race for CNMI delegate, Andrew Salas, also chimed in on his experience this election season.

“Thank you for a great experience. I never worked so hard house-to-house in all the times in politics. …There were a lot of times people closed their doors on us, thinking we were a religious group.”

The former representative and Commerce secretary also said the election campaign gave him a better perspective about life in the CNMI.

“I’ve gone to appreciate these islands more than before. Wish everyone the best. Stay warm, stay dry, and think positive and remember we’re doing it for our people,” he said.