There’s no budget for Northern Mariana Islands to elect delegate to Congress this year
By APTuesday, July 20, 2010
Congressional delegate election threatened
SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands — There is no budget for the financially troubled Northern Mariana Islands to elect the U.S. commonwealth’s delegate to Congress this year.
Commonwealth Election Commission Executive Director Robert Guerrero says the Nov. 2 election may have to be canceled if the needed money isn’t forthcoming.
Guerrero says Lt. Gov. Eloy Inos promised Monday to seek the Legislature’s help in finding the funds.
He says a delay could pose a risk to absentee voting, depriving some residents of their right to vote.
The commission estimates $128,000 is needed to hold the election, which will include at least two legislative initiatives. It says the election could draw more than 18,000 resident voters.
