CEC: Low early voting turnout

The Commonwealth Election Commission wrapped up early voting yesterday afternoon and according to CEC executive director Kayla Igitol, early voting yielded lower numbers than expected.

Yesterday marked the final day of early voting and today marks official general elections day.

During the final hour for early voting, dozens of people lined up at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center to take advantage of early voting.

Meanwhile, vehicles stretched for miles as they availed of the drive-through and curbside voting accommodations provided by CEC.

However, in an interview with Igitol, the number of voters who came out for the early voting period did not meet their expectations.

“It wasn’t as high as expected but as I explained before, it’s the midterm elections. But we had over 5,000 come out so far,” she said.

Specifically, the over 5,000 early voters counted includes early voters from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

When asked what the expectation was, Igitol said at least 8,000.

“We were expecting at least 8,000 early voters, but we still have election day from 7am to 7pm. This including early voter from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota,” she said.

However, Igitol said the number will go up following election day.

As for preparations for today’s election, Igitol said everything is set to go.

“If you are not sure what precinct you’re a registered voter for, just visit our website to see our polling places or call our office at (670) 235-8683. Come out and exercise your right to vote. It’s your civic duty. Today is your last day to vote,” she said.

The polling places are as follows:

Election District Precinct 1A (San Antonio Area)

Hopwood Junior High School Cafeteria (Football field entrance)

Precinct 1B-1 (San Vicente/Dandan Area)

1B-2 (San Vicente/Dandan Area)

Dandan Middle School Cafeteria (Dandan baseball/softball field entrance)

Precinct 1C (Koblerville Area)

Koblerville Elementary School (Cafeteria)

Precinct 2 (Chalan Kanoa/Susupe Area)

Joeten/Kiyu Public Library (Front entrance)

Precinct 3A (San Jose/Oleai)

Oleai Elementary School Cafeteria (Front entrance)

Precinct 3B-1 (Garapan Area)

3B-2 (Garapan Area)

Garapan Elementary School Cafeteria (Northern entrance)

Precinct 4A (Tanapag Area)

Tanapag Youth Center (Main entrance) Precinct 4B (San Roque/As Matius Area)

Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School Cafeteria (Main)

Precinct 4C (Capitol Hill Area)

Jesus P. Manas Legislative Building (House Chamber)

Precinct 4D (Northern Islands)

Alamagan, Pagan and Agrigan

Precinct 5-1 (Kagman Area)

5-2 (Kagman Area)

Chacha Oceanview Middle School (Cafeteria)

Precinct 6 (Tinian & Aguiguan)

Tinian Elementary School Cafeteria

Precinct 7 (Rota)

Rota-Northern Marianas College Room B-2 (Main entrance)

All polling places for the general election will open at 7am and close at 7pm today, Nov. 5.

As mandated by 1 CMC §6218 (a), voters must ensure that they bring with them a pictured ID as they will be required to present it in order to be issued a ballot at the polls.

For more information, contact the Commonwealth Election Commission at 235-8683 (VOTE).