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72 envelopes should remain unopened
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Posted on Dec 08 2005
I have been active in elections for two decades, either as a tabulator or as an observer and I can testify to the integrity and accuracy of vote tallied in many past and the 2005 elections.
The Board of Elections is a group of members and employees that are deserving of praise for their dedication and impartially to their work. They are a source of pride for our government.
I was there during the counting of absentee ballots on Nov. 19, 2005. During the count, I saw all eight members, legal counsels, staffs and the Public Auditor take efforts, including using a magnifying glass, to determine the postmark of the 72 envelopes that were not opened and counted. It was not until they were all certain that they could not determine the postmarks of these envelopes when the board members voted, twice, to reject the 72 envelopes.
The entire episode was carried live on television. There were observers there. It was not as if these people were doing something in secret. They made their decision based on their authority and based on information they have that promoted fair and honest CNMI elections.
I say to the Courts: do not allow the counting of these ballots. They are spoiled ballots and in my 20 years of involvement with elections, they should not be opened and counted because that is taking away from these fine government officials their authority to do their job in the same excellent manner that they have so far. The voters all had their chance and those who vote absentee should understand that their right is not the same as the right of those who vote at the polling places. There are conditions attached to voting absentee and some of these conditions apply responsibilities that are not attached to poll voters.
Finally, there is no such thing as a Northern Islands, Rota, Saipan, or Tinian absentee ballots. There are Commonwealth absentee ballots. To continue to preach parochial or insular views with all facets of our government promoted separation. We should all unite as one, Northern Islands, Rota, Saipan and Tinian, all combines as one!
Juan S. “Santiago” Tenorio
Airport Road, Saipan
