House Bill 17-66, introduced Rep. Ralph S. Demapan, Covenant-Saipan, stated that since CNMI voters now have to choose a non-voting U.S. delegate, which is a federal election, the local election process should follow federal standards.
The bill explained that federal elections have their own set of requirements, and in order to avoid two different sets of rules, it is necessary to amend the local election rules that differ from federal rules.
Section 26 of the bill allows registered voters to vote early during the 10-day period before the election.
In his veto message to the Legislature, the governor said he cannot approve the bill because Section 26 actually creates an 11-day voting period while there are no criteria for the registered voters to meet to take advantage of the early voting period.
Fitial also expressed concern about the lack of safeguards and protection during the 10-day early voting.
He noted that on the day of an election, alcohol is not for sale, campaigning is not allowed within the 300-foot radius off the polling places and the Office of the Public Auditor along with the Attorney General’s Office monitor polling places.
“In accordance with this bill, these requirements would only exist on the final day of voting and not on the first 10,”Fitial said.
This could allow for voter intimidation and fraud and may even increase the cost of election, he added.
