The CNMI board of elections was very kind and helpful, and seemed to be following careful procedures for issuance of the absentee ballot. However, the instructions are confusing and could lead half of absentee ballots to become disqualified. In the instructions, Step 2 specifically says *not* to sign the “Affidavit of Absentee Voter” that accompanies the Ballot. Step 3 of the instructions says to attach a copy of your photo ID, but does not say to sign the Affidavit. Nowhere else in the instructions, or in the additional page of flow-chart instructions does it say to *sign* the Affidavit.
To follow the instructions exactly, the “Affidavit of Absentee Voter” should be mailed back *without* any signature, and with a photocopy of the voter’s ID attached to the Affidavit. According to the instructions, this would be a properly submitted Absentee Voter ballot.
Some voters will go strictly by the letter of the instructions, knowing that any deviation whatsoever will result in their absentee ballot being disqualified.
Many other voters will be overcome by common sense, and will go ahead and sign the Affidavit, despite the instructions. Technically, these ballots could be disqualified.
I urge the CNMI board of elections to accept as “qualified” any Affidavit of Absentee Voter that has valid data entered by the voter, and a copy of the voter’s ID attached to the Affidavit, *with or without* a signature on the Affidavit.
BILL BEZZANT
NMI Voter
