Rep. Rosemond B. Santos, R-Saipan, said the decline in voter participation can be attributed to such factors as the exodus of families and the lack of public awareness.
This year’s election drew the participation of less than 1,000 voters for a turnout rate of only 27 percent.
Santos, who was among the coordinators of the first Youth Congress election in 1998, said she is disappointed by the low turnout.
“It’s sad and disheartening to see that this has not received the publicity it should have received in the last 10 years,” she said.
But she still “supports” the Youth Congress.
“Maybe some kids still don’t understand what the Youth Congress is really all about,” she added.
Santos said it is still “our hope to expose our kids to legislative work and not just politics.”
There is a pending bill in the Senate that will re-organize the Youth Congress and give more seats to schools.
Every year, the lowest voter turnout is seen at the precinct level.
Last Monday, only 131 cast their votes at the precinct level compared to 127 in 2007 and 258 in 2006.
Santos said there should be “changes” in the present composition of the Youth Congress.
Youth Congress coordinator George Camacho believes that it “provides a venue for our youth to be heard. Youths do have issues of their own that may be different from adults. They have different concerns and it is a way for them to be heard and have a solid voice.”
According to Camacho, youth senators are actively involved in community and youth-related activities.
“They also introduce good legislation and resolutions that have been adopted by the House for consideration,” he said.
‘Special poll’
For the first time in Youth Congress history, a special election will be scheduled for Friday to break the tie between Northern Marianas College’s Vicky Jean Castro and Aesha Debrum Sablan for NMC’s third seat.
The college had four candidates this year compared to two in 2007.
The special election will be held at the NMC Student Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 19.
Santos said as soon as the result of the special election is completed, the names of all the winners will be announced.
There were 32 candidates for the 23 seats of the Youth Congress.
