Rep. Stanley T. Torres, Ind.-Saipan, abstained while Rep. Ramon A. Tebuteb, R-Saipan, was absent.
Introduced by Rep. Ralph S. Demapan, Covenant-Saipan, House Bill 17-66 now goes to the Senate. It becomes law if at least seven of the nine senators will vote in favor of the override.
One of the provisions in the bill will allow registered voters to cast their ballots 10 days prior to election day.
Fitial vetoed the bill due to his concerns about the early voting scheme.
The governor, in his veto message, said early voters will not have the protection provided on election day when alcohol is not for sale and campaigning within a 300-foot radius from the polling centers is prohibited.
The bill may allow intimidation and fraud, and increase the cost of elections, he added.
In an interview, Commonwealth Election Commission Executive Director Robert A. Guerrero said the early voting period may address their funding shortage as they prepare for the November election.
He said he and lawmakers will work together to address the governor’s concerns regarding the early voting period by proposing amendments once the bill becomes law.
He said the commission “badly needs” this measure although it also has some concerns about some of its provisions, which, he added, can be addressed through new legislation.
