A residency challenge in the Northern Islands mayoral race has left one candidate temporarily off the 2026 general election ballot, even as the Commonwealth Election Commission on Tuesday certified 73 of the 75 candidates who filed for office.
CEC Executive Director Kayla Igitol Magofna said the commission could not certify Keli Tenorio, who is running against incumbent Northern Islands Mayor Valentino Taisacan Jr., after a formal challenge questioned her residency.
Tenorio will be scheduled for an administrative hearing and given an opportunity to present evidence supporting her domicile in the Northern Islands.
The second candidate not certified was Luis Sablan, who is seeking the Saipan mayoralty but did not gather enough signatures to qualify.
Magofna said the commission’s certification resolution will be released at a later date. She also reminded voters of upcoming deadlines, including Aug. 20 for absentee voting information and Sept. 4, the final day to register.
CEC reported 18,022 registered voters as of Friday.
