47 bets vying in today’s YC elections

Twenty-three seats are up for grabs in today’s 8th CNMI Youth Congress elections.

A total of 47 candidates are vying for the votes of 3,331 youths.

Youth Congress adviser Alicia Leon Guerrero noted an increase in the number of candidates, as well as registered voters, this year compared with the previous year. There were only 36 candidates and about 2,000 voters last year.

“This growing interest actually started with the 6th Youth Congress. I think the youth are beginning to realize that there’s meaning with Youth Congress. More youth are getting involved, volunteering for Youth Congress activities,” said Leon Guerrero.

Nine of this year’s candidates are seeking reelection: Juan DLG Pinaula of Marianas High School; Ma. Aileen Arnold of Northern Marianas College; Rika Matsumoto of Grace Christian Academy; John P. Del Rosario, Esther Genevieve F. Omar, and Alvie O. Sanchez of Election Precinct 1(Saipan); Josef J. Deleon Guerrero of Election Precinct 3 (Saipan and Northern Islands); Malcolm J. Omar of Election Precinct 4 (Saipan); and Donald M. Manglona of Election Precinct 6 (Rota).

“We have very intelligent candidates. They are competitive, challenging, and committed to the Youth Congress. And they are aware of what’s happening around them. It’s very interesting to realize how concerned they are about issues such as employment and the economy,” Leon Guerrero said.

Each high school will elect one representative each: Saipan Southern High School, Marianas High School, Kagman High School, Tinian High School, Rota High School, Northern Marianas Academy, Mount Carmel School, Marianas Baptist Academy, Calvary Christian Academy, and Grace Christian Academy.

Three seats are available at the Northern Marianas College.

Saipan precincts 1 and 3 have three seats each, while precincts 2 and 4 have one seat each. Tinian and Rota also have a seat each.

Voters may cast their ballots between 8am and 6pm today, Sept. 19, 2005.

Polling places for registered public and private high school students will be held at their respective schools.

For NMC students, election will be held at the Student Center at NMC Saipan and at the NMC Tinian campus.

For precinct voters not registered at the high schools, voting places are as follows:

• Precinct 1 at the NMC Student Center
• Precinct 2 at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe
• Precinct 3 at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe
• Precinct 4 at the House Chamber, Legislature Building on Capitol Hill
• Precinct 5 at Tinian High School
• Precinct 6, together with NMC Rota, at the Youth Congress Office located at Rep. Crispin Ogo’s office.