THE Republican tandem of Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and running mate Senate Floor Leader Vinnie F. Sablan were among the early voters who cast their ballots at the multi-purpose center in Susupe on Thursday afternoon.
They were accompanied by their family members and other Republican candidates and officials.
“As Friday is a holiday, I want to show the community that it is okay to vote early so we can focus on the family during the three-day weekend,” Torres said.
Asked about the election, he said, “I care for our people. I know that I put in my sweat, and blood, and love for the people. I hope that they see that.”
He added, “I am confident that my party has worked so hard. I am confident that we put all of our effort to help the people of the Commonwealth — everyone who calls the CNMI home. The community knows that I treated all people the right way, and treated all people with respect, despite the criticism, and all the negativity thrown at me in this election. We should not lose our culture of respect, whether it’s a political year or not.”
“You’ve heard all the candidates,” the governor said. “You’ve heard and seen what I have done in the past. When the CNMI needed me the most I was there, during the typhoons and the pandemic. I will always be there for the people of the Commonwealth. I would like to take this opportunity to ask all of you to please vote #3 on the ballot, and also please consider voting for all the Republican candidates this election.”
As for the possibility of a gubernatorial runoff, Torres said, “I hope that I will be given that opportunity to be in the top two. I’m asking voters for their confidence and blessing to continue serving them in the next four years.”
“It’s a good day,” he added. “The only unfortunate thing today is that…I could only vote for the Republicans in Precinct 5… I wish I could have voted for all of the Republicans in all the precincts.”
To his supporters, he said, “I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of the years and years of your continuous support and love. We have a couple more days, a few more days before the actual Election Day, but every day, we continue to grow. We continue to grow this love, this togetherness. Let’s continue to push, and push hard.”
For his part, Senate Floor Leader Vinnie Sablan said, “My heart is happy right now to see everyone — to continue to see everyone every day.”
“I want to thank everybody,” he added. “I thank all of the poll workers, the markers, the drivers, and everyone performing a duty and a role to reach the finish line with victory. I give thanks to all of you that are here and continue to be here. We’re five days away, ladies and gentlemen, five days away [from] when we will see the Republican Party victorious. And with that, let’s keep the momentum going, let’s keep the drive going, and also keep focused and stay focused. Let’s do it the Republican way.”
The Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Rep. Tina Sablan, and her running mate Rep. Leila Staffler will cast their ballots today, Friday.
Independent gubernatorial candidate Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and running mate Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang are expected to follow suit.
The early voting period ends Monday, Nov. 7. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres hands his early-voter form to an election commission staff member at the multi-purpose center Thursday. Also in photo: first lady Diann T. Torres.
An election commission staff member reviews the early-voter form submitted by Senate Floor Leader Vinnie F. Sablan at the multi-purpose center Thursday.
