CEC reminds voters curbside voting is for elderly, disabled

Commonwealth Election Commission board member Elsie Tilipao-Rebuenog is reminding voters that curbside voting is reserved for elderly persons, individuals with disabilities, and those with medical conditions that prevent them from entering polling places.

The clarification follows questions about whether voters who do not qualify for curbside voting have been using the service during early voting for the Nov. 3 general elections.

In an interview with Marianas Press, Tilipao-Rebuenog said curbside voting is intended for voters who cannot physically enter polling places to cast their ballots.

“So it's for access purposes only,” she said.

The commissioner stressed that the service is not intended for voters who are physically able to enter polling places and cast their ballots.

Tilipao-Rebuenog did not provide figures on possible misuse of the service but reiterated that curbside voting is strictly for accessibility purposes.

She also clarified that the service is not limited to early voting.

“No, this is all throughout the vote, including the day of the election, November 3rd,” she said.

Tilipao-Rebuenog added that curbside voting will be available at all polling places on Election Day.

Early voting on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota began Oct. 27 and continues through Monday, Nov. 2.

Polls will be open from 7am to 7pm on Tuesday, Nov. 3, for the general elections.