Northern voters want elected officials to make education a priority

Over 15,000 residents are registered to vote in Dededo, with over 7,000 in Yigo.  Many are excited to exercise a cornerstone right to democracy.

From outside the gates of D.L. Perez Elementary School in Yigo, to Dominican Catholic School, and over at Okkodo High School in Dededo, the spirits have been high this Super Saturday. 

When asked how she felt after casting her ballot today, Jem Maravilla said, "We’re happy. We exercised our right to vote."

Another Dededo voter, Aaron Nicolas, said, "I’m feeling good. It’s a civic responsibility, right?"

And they're determined to make their voices heard this election, regardless of any hiccup.  Dededo voter Maria Blas shared, "I have to go to Wettengel because I didn’t know that they changed it. I’m voting here all the time and now they said I have to go to Wettengel."

For Dededo resident Christine Cruz, her main concern that has her coming out to the polls is the safety of our public schools.  "They say that it’s safe but not entirely so we’re just worried about the kids. It’s the kids’ safety that is priority one," she said.

With the new school year just around the corner and the fate of 18 schools still uninspected and unready to open, it’s also a priority for former educator Ji-Marie Guerrero, who said, "Honestly, with the Public Health inspections, it’s important that we’re sending our kids to safe schools because what is the purpose of having schools open if our kids are going to get sick every week. And they haven’t fixed that problem since the typhoon. I know it’s a long process but if you want our kids to go to school, you need to make more of an effort to make it happen."

Remember, you have until 8pm to cast your ballots. Go out and vote because your voice matters.