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\rsid4859857\rsid7099123\rsid8782012\rsid9123510\rsid9776200\rsid10290620}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6775;}{\info{\title Underwood v. Guam Election Commission (Camacho), 2006 Guam 17}{\subject Run-off election}{\author Supreme Court of Guam} {\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2006\mo12\dy21\hr14\min34}{\revtim\yr2006\mo12\dy21\hr14\min34}{\version2}{\edmins1}{\nofpages14}{\nofwords5907}{\nofchars33673}{\*\company Judiciary of Guam}{\nofcharsws39501}{\vern16391}}\margl1440\margr1440\margb810 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\hyphhotz936\notabind\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\subfontbysize\lytprtmet\hyphcaps0\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3 \jcompress\viewkind4\viewscale100\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot2115167 \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid9776200 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid9776200 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid9776200 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid9776200 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \psz1\sbknone\linex0\headery1157\footery1440\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid2115167\sftnbj {\header \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqr\tx9360\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i\fs20\insrsid9776200 Underwood v. Guam Election Commission (Camacho)}{\fs20\insrsid9776200 , Opinion}{\fs20\highlight8\insrsid9776200 \tab Page \chpgn of }{\field{\*\fldinst {\fs20\highlight8\insrsid9776200 NUMPAGES \\* ARABIC }}{\fldrslt { \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\highlight8\noproof\insrsid9123510 15}}}{\fs20\highlight8\insrsid9776200 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid9776200 \par }{\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid7099123 {\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft0\shptop0\shpright0\shpbottom0\shpfhdr0\shpbxmargin\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz0\shplid2059 {\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 20}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn lineColor}{\sv 2}}{\sp{\sn lineWidth}{\sv 9144}}{\sp{\sn lineStyle}{\sv 1}}{\sp{\sn fLine}{\sv 1}}{\sp{\sn posrelh}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 0}} {\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 0}}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxmargin\dobypara\dodhgt8192\dpline\dpptx0\dppty0\dpptx0\dppty0\dpx0\dpy0\dpxsize0\dpysize0\dplinew14\dplinecor2\dplinecog0\dplinecob0}}} {\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft0\shptop4\shpright9360\shpbottom4\shpfhdr0\shpbxmargin\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz1\shplid2060{\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 20}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}} {\sp{\sn lineColor}{\sv 2}}{\sp{\sn lineWidth}{\sv 6096}}{\sp{\sn fLine}{\sv 1}}{\sp{\sn posrelh}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 0}}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxmargin\dobypara\dodhgt8193\dpline\dpptx0\dppty0\dpptx9360\dppty0 \dpx0\dpy4\dpxsize9360\dpysize0\dplinew9\dplinecor2\dplinecog0\dplinecob0}}}}{\insrsid9776200 \par }}{\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}} {\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8 \pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF GUAM \par \par ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD and FRANK B. AGUON JR. \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Petitioners,}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \par \par vs. \par \par THE GUAM ELECTION COMMISSION \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Respondent,}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \par \par FELIX P. CAMACHO and MICHAEL CRUZ, \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Real Parties in Interest. \par \par Supreme Court Case No.: WRM06}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 003 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \par OPINION}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Filed: December 19, 2006}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Cite as:}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 2006 Guam 17}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \par \par Argued and submitted on November 30, 2006 \par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\ts11\trgaph120\trleft0\trkeep\trftsWidth1\trpaddl120\trpaddr120\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4680\clshdrawnil \cellx4680 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4680\clshdrawnil \cellx9360\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\faauto\rin0\lin0\pararsid10290620 { \ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 For Petitioners:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \par Michael F. Phillips, }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Esq.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \par Phillips & Bordallo, P.C. \par 410 W. O\rquote Brien Dr. \par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, GU 96910 \par \cell }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 For Respondent:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \par Rawlen M.T. Mantanona, }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Esq.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \par Cabot Mantanona LLP \par BankPacific Bldg., Second Flr. \par 825 S Marine Corps Dr. \par Tamuning, GU 96913\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \trowd \irow0\irowband0 \ts11\trgaph120\trleft0\trkeep\trftsWidth1\trpaddl120\trpaddr120\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4680\clshdrawnil \cellx4680\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4680\clshdrawnil \cellx9360\row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\faauto\rin0\lin0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \cell }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 For Real Parties in Interest:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \par David Mair, }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Esq.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \par Mair, Mair, Spade & Thompson, P.C. \par 238 A.F.C. Flores St. \par Ste. 801 Pacific News Bldg. \par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, GU 96910\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \trowd \irow1\irowband1\lastrow \ts11\trgaph120\trleft0\trkeep\trftsWidth1\trpaddl120\trpaddr120\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4680\clshdrawnil \cellx4680\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4680\clshdrawnil \cellx9360\row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \par BEFORE:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 F. PHILIP CARBULLIDO, Chief Justice; RICHARD H. BENSON, Justice }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Pro Tempore}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ; J. BRADLEY KLEMM, Justice }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Pro Tempore}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 . \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 CARBULLIDO, C.J.:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [1]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab Petitioners Robert A. Underwood and Frank B. Aguon, Jr. (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Underwood/Aguon}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ) filed a Verified Petition for a Writ of Mandamus, requesting that this court order the Respondent Guam Election Commission }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 to comply with its non}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 discretionary duty and conduct a runoff as mandated by the Organic Act.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In particular, Underwood/Aguon argue that the Real Parties in Interest Felix P. Camacho and Michael Cruz (}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Camacho/Cruz}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ) were improperly certified as winners of the 2006 gubernatorial election because the Commission failed to include overvotes in the total number of votes cast, in violation of the Organic Act.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Underwood/Aguon argue that had the overvotes been included in the mathematical determination of whether Camacho/Cruz met the threshold requirement of 50% plus one vote, Camacho/Cruz would have in fact achieved less than the requisite majority, and as such, a runoff election would be required pursuant to the Organic Act.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [2]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab Guam\rquote s Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected pursuant to s ection 1422 of the Organic Act, which provides:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 The Governor of Guam, together with the Lieutenant Governor, shall be elected by a majority of the votes cast by the people who are qualified to vote for the members of the Legislature of Guam.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 48 U.S.C. \'a7 1422.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Consequently, the issue before us is whether the Commission properly excluded overvotes in determining whether the Camacho/Cruz team were }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 elected by a majority of votes cast,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 as such term is used in the Organic Act of Guam.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 48 U.S.C. \'a7 1422.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [3]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab We hold that in order to determine whether a gubernatorial slate has been }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 elected by a majority of the votes cast,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 as such phrase is used in the Organic Act of Guam, only expressions of will or choice, or final selections of a gubernatorial slate, may be properly included in the total number of votes cast.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 The converse of this rule is that the persons who overvote, or vote for both gubernatorial slates, do not express their will in deciding who should be the next Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and i n doing so, they assent to the will of the voters who have properly expressed their will and duly participated in such election.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Accordingly, we hold that the Organic Act requires that overvotes be excluded by the Commission for purposes of determining whether a gubernatorial slate has been }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 elected by a majority of votes cast.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 For this reason, we deny the Verified Petition for a Writ of Mandamus.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 I.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [4]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab On November 7, 2006, the Guam Election Commission conducted the General Election, }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 inter alia}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , so t hat the voters of Guam could determine who shall be elected to the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Petitioners Underwood/Aguon ran on the Democratic ticket for Governor and Lieutenant Governor against the Real Parties in Interest, the Republican team of Camacho/Cruz.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [5]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab According to the Commission\rquote s Summary Report prepared on November 13, 2006, the Underwood/Aguon team received 18,700 votes and the Camacho/Cruz team received 19,560 votes.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Petitioner\rquote s Excerpts of Record (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ER}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ) at 2 (Nov. 22, 2006).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In this same report, the Commission reported 668 write}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 in votes which were not credited to either candidate, 657 undervotes and 504 overvotes. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [6]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab It is undisputed that the Underwood/Aguon votes, Camacho/Cruz votes, and write}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 in votes must be included in the total number of votes cast (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 the base}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ) for purposes of mathematically determining}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 whether Camacho/Cruz received the requisite majority.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 This amounts to a sum total of 38,928 votes.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 It is also undisputed that undervotes, or blank ballots, are not to be included in the base.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Gutierrez v. Ada}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 528 U.S. 250 (2000), }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 rev\rquote g sub nom.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Ada v. Gov\rquote t of Guam}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 179 F.3d 672 (1999).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [7]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab Thus, the only issue in dispute with respect to determining whether Camacho/Cruz received a majority of votes cast is whether the 504 overvotes should be included in, or excluded from, the base.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 If the Commission excludes the overvotes, then the base, or pool of votes cast from which the calculation of a majority is made, results in the Camacho/Cruz team receiving 50.25% of the vote. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 If the Commission includes the 504 overvotes, then the Camacho/Cruz team will have garnered 49.60% of the vote, and in this case, a runoff election would have been required pursuant to the Organic Act.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [8]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab The overvotes issue was presented to the Commission at its post}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 election meeting on November 9, 2006.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 At that time, counsel for the Commission submitted a legal opinion indicating that Guam law found at 3 GCA \'a711114 requires that overvotes be excluded from the base for purposes of determining whether Camacho/Cruz garnered a majority of votes cast.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [9]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab After excluding the overvotes from the base, the Commission certified the results of the ele ction, and declared the Camacho/Cruz slate as the winner of the gubernatorial election.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [10]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab The instant petition followed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 II.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [11]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab This court has original jurisdiction over petitions for writs of mandamus pursuant to sections 1424}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 1(a)(2) and 1424}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 1( a)(3) of the Organic Act, codified at 48 U.S.C \'a7\'a7 1424}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 1(a)(2), (a)(3) (Westlaw through Pub. L. 109}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 382 (2006)), and 7 GCA \'a7 31202 (2005).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 III.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [12]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab A petitioner bears the burden of showing that a writ should issue.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 People of Guam v. Super. Ct. (Bruneman)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 1998 Guam 24 \'b6 3.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 The decision of whether to issue a writ of mandamus lies within the discretion of the court.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 7 GCA \'a7 31401; }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 see also Gray v. Super. Ct.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 1999 Guam 26 \'b612. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [13]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab The primary purpose of a writ of mandamus is to compel the performance of a legal duty.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 7 GCA \'a7 31202 (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [A writ of mandate] may be i ssued by any court . . . to any inferior tribunal, corporation, board, or person to compel the performance of an act which the law specially enjoins, as a duty resulting from an office, trust, or station; or to compel the admission of a party to the use a nd enjoyment of a right or office to which he is entitled, and from which he is unlawfully precluded by such inferior tribunal, corporation, board, or person.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ) (alterations in original);}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 see, e.g.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ,}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 A.B. Won Pat Guam Int\rquote l Airport Auth. (}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 GIAA}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ) v. Moylan}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 2005 Guam 5 \'b6 10. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [14]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab As a general rule, mandamus will not lie to compel the exercise of discretion in a particular manner.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Holmes v. Territorial Land Use Comm\rquote n}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 1998 Guam 8 \'b6 12.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 However, mandamus will issue to compel the performance of a statutorily required ministerial act.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \'b6 11 (observing that mandamus is appropriate where there is a }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 clear, present and ministerial duty to act . . . .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 IV.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [15]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab Petitioners Underwood/Aguon contend that because overvotes should be counted for purposes of dete rmining the base, a writ of mandate must issue ordering the Commission to conduct a runoff election as a result of the failure of any one slate to be }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 elected by a majority of votes cast,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 as such term is used in the Organic Act.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 48 U.S.C. \'a7 1422.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 For the reasons stated below, we deny the instant petition for extraordinary relief.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 A.\tab Section 1422 of the Organic Act of Guam}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [16]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 The Organic Act serves the function of a constitution for Guam.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 GIAA}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 2005 Guam 5 \'b6 21 (quoting }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Haeuser v. Dep \rquote t of Law,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 97 F.3d 1152, 1156 (9th Cir .1996); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 see also People v. Perez,}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 1999 Guam 2 \'b6 15 (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Until Guam creates its own Constitution, the Organic Act of Guam is the equivalent of Guam\rquote s Constitution.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [17]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab Section 1422 of the Organic Act provides, with respect to the election of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Guam: }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 The Governor of Guam, together with the Lieutenant Governor, shall be elected by a majority of the votes cast by the people . . . . If no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast in any election, . . . a runoff election shall be held between the candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor receiving the highest and second highest number of votes cast.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 48 U.S.C. \'a7 1422. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [18]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab Underwood/Aguon primarily rely on the Ninth Circuit case of }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Ada v. Government of Guam}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 179 F.3d 672 (1999), in asserting that the phrase }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 votes cast}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 as used in the Organic Act necessarily includes overvotes, and for this reason, a runoff election is required.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In opposition, Camacho/Cruz assert that the Ninth Circuit case is no longer good law, and more importantly, they contend that local law found at 3 GCA \'a7 11114 defines the phrase }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 votes cast}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 to exclude overvotes, and therefore, the local law controls th e disposition of the issue before us. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [19]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab The issue before us is clearly an Organic Act issue.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 More specifically, we are tasked to consider the statutory interpretation of the phrase }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 elected by a majority of the votes cast,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 as such phrase is used in the Organic Act.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 To this extent, we disagree with Camacho/Cruz\rquote s assertion that our inquiry must begin and end with the local law found at 3 GCA \'a7 11114 (2005).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 This is because of the }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 well}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 established principle in this jurisdiction that the Guam Legislature cannot enact laws which are in derogation of the provisions of the Organic Act.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In re Request of Governor Felix P. Camacho Relative to the Interpretation and Application of Sections 6 and 9 of the Organic Act of Guam (}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In re Request of Governor Camacho 2004}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 )}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 2004 Guam 10 \'b6 33 (quoting H.R.Rep. No. 105}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 -}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 742 (1998), 1998 WL 658802 at *3); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 see also In re Request of Governor Felix P. Cam acho Relative to the Interpretation and Application of Section 11 of the Organic Act of Guam}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 (}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In re Request of Governor Camacho 2003}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 )}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 2003 Guam 16 \'b6 15 n.5.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [20]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 We underscored this principle in }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In re Request of Governor Gutierrez,}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 when we stated that \lquote the legislature may not enact a law encroaching upon the Governor\rquote s authority and powers which are mandated by the Organic Act.\rquote }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In re Request of Governor Camacho 2004,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 2004 Guam 10 \'b6 33 (quoting } {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In re Request of Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez, Relative to the Organicity and Constitutionality of Public Law 26}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 -}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 35}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 2002 Guam 1}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \'b6 41).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [21]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals also recognizes that Guam\rquote s self}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 government is }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 constrained by the Organic Act}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 and therefore, courts are compelled to }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 invalidate Guam statutes in derogation of the Organic Act.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Haeuser v. Dep\rquote t of Law}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 97 F.3d 1152, 1156 (9th Cir. 1996); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 see also In re Request of Governor Camacho 2004}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 2004 Guam 10 \'b6 33.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Thus, the Legislature\rquote s powers are broad, but are constrained by the provisions of Organic Act of Guam, and in turn, this court\rquote s interpretation of such law.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [T]he court must declare a legislative enactment unconstitutional if an analysis of the constitutional claim compels such a result.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In re Request of Governor Gutierrez}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 2002 Guam 1 \'b6 41.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [22]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab Consequently, only after construing the relevant Organic Act language }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 in its constitutional sense}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 may we then properly assess the constitutionality of 3 GCA \'a7 11114 and its applicability to the issue before us.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 1.\tab Organic Act:}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 elected by a majority of the votes cast}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [23]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab In construing the Organic Act provision that requires our Governor and Lieutenant Governor to be }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 elected by a majority of the votes cast}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 we find ample guidance in cases from the United States Supreme Court.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [24]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab To begin with, in 1877, in the case of }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 County of Cass v. Johnston}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 95 U.S. 360 (1877), the Court established the following basic rule: }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 This we understand to be the established rule as to the effect of elections, in the absence of any statutory regulation to the contrary.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 All}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 qualified voters who absent themselves from an election duly called are presumed to }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 assent to the expressed will of the majority of those voting}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , unless the law providing for the election otherwise declares. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 at 369 (emphasis added).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 The general principle which can be gleaned from this case is that where a voter does not express his will in an election, he assents to those voters who do.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [25]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab In }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Newberry v. United States}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 256 U.S. 232 (1921), the Court again recognized that inherent in the concept of an election is making a final choice of an officer: }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 The Seventeenth Amendment, which directs that Senators be chosen by the people, neither announced nor requires a new meaning of election and the word now has the same general significance as it did when the Constitution came into existence}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \endash final choice of an officer}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 by the duly qualified electors.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 at 250 (emphasis added).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [26]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab Years later in }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 United States v. Classic}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 313 U.S. 299 (1941), the Court again recognized that an election is an expression of choice:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 From time immemorial an election to public office has been in point of substance no more and no less than the expression by qualified electors of their choice of candidates.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 at 318.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [27]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab Similarly, in }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Foster v. Love}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 522 U.S. 67 (1997), the Supreme Court invalidated a law permitting a primary in Louisiana in which the vote would end in no selection among Congressional candidates.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 The Court stated with respect to the use of the term }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 election}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 in federal statutes:}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 When the federal statutes speak of \lquote the election\rquote of a Senator or Representative, they plainly refer to the combined actions of voters and officials meant to make}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 a final selection}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 of an officeholder. . . .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Id.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 at 71 (citing Noah Webster, An American Dictionary of the English Language 433 (C. Goodrich & N. Porter eds. 1869) (defining }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 election}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 as }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 the act of choosing a person to fill an office}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ) (emphasis added)).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Foster}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , the Supreme Court clearly pronounced that to }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 elect}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 is to }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 choose.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [28]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab More recently, in }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Bush v. Gore}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 531 U.S. 98 (2000), the Court provided the following direction when it comes to defining a }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 vote.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 First, we are instructed that }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [i]n certifying election results, the votes eligible for inclusion in the certifica tion are the votes meeting the properly established legal requirements.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Id. }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 at 103.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In overturning the Florida Supreme Court\rquote s order for a recount on the basis that the recount procedures violated equal protection, the United States Supreme Court deferred to Florida law in its analysis.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 at 116 (citing }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Boardman v. Esteva,}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 323 So. 2d 259, 268 n.5 (Fla. 1975) (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 The election process . . . is committed to the executive branch of government through duly designated officials all charged with specific dutie s . . . [The] judgments [of these officials] are entitled to be regarded by the courts as presumptively correct. . . .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ) (alterations in original).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Thus, under Florida law, the Court determined that a }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 legal vote}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 under Florida law is one in which there is a }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 clear indication of the intent of the voter.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Gore v. Harris}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 772 So. 2d 1243, 1257 (Fla. 2000) (quoting Fla. Stats. \'a7\'a7 101.5614(5)}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 (6)(2000)), }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 rev\rquote d by Bush v. Gore}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 531 U.S. 98 (2000).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [29]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab These pronouncements of the United States Supreme Court ar e consistent in their views of an election and a vote, and they lend much guidance to the issue before us.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Applying the above cases to the issue before us, we hold that in order to determine, in the constitutional sense, whether a gubernatorial slate has been }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 elected by a majority of the votes cast,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 only expressions of will or choice, or final selections of an officeholder, may be properly included in the total number of votes cast.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 More specifically, because the Organic Act concludes that the Governor and Lieutenant Governor be }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 elected}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 by a majority, that is, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 finally selected}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 by a majority, it is a logical premise that }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 the base}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 from which such majority is determined includes only those votes which would similarly indicate }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 a final selection of an officeholder,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 as instructed by the Court in }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Foster}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 522 U.S. at 71.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 See also}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Newberry}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 256 U.S. at 250 (describing an election as a }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 final choice . . . by the duly qualified electors}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ); }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Classic}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 313 U.S. at 318 (characterizing an election as }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 the expression by qualified electors of their choice of candidates.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Stated another way, those voters who have properly expressed a choice are the same voters who should make up the base in determining whether, under our Organic Act of Guam, a candidate has been }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 elected by a majority of the votes cast by the people.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 48 U.S.C. \'a7 1422. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [30]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab Like the voters in }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 County of Cass}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 95 U.S. 360, the 504 persons who overvoted, or voted for both gubernatorial slates, have not expressed their will in deciding who should be the next Governor and Lieutenant Governor.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Accordingly, we hold that the 504 persons who did not express a choice or selection of a Governor and Lieutenant Governor in the November 7, 2006 General Election have assented to the will of those thousands of vot ers who have properly expressed their will and duly participated in such election.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [31]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab In so holding, we construe the Organic Act to require that the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Guam be elected by a }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 majority of all those who cared to make any choice among gubernatorial candidates.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Gutierrez}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 528 U.S. at 256.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 To hold otherwise would be to }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 impute to the Congress a strange preference for making it hard to select a Governor.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Id.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 (rejecting the argument that }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 votes cast}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 means }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ballots cast}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 b ecause under such an}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 interpretation of section 1422 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 the statute could require a runoff . . . even though one slate already had a majority of all those who cared to make any choice among gubernatorial candidates.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [32]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab In light of our holding above, we reject Underwood/Aguon\rquote s argument that the actual marking of the ballot for both slates is an expression of some sort, either of protest against one team of candidates or of support for another team of candidates.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Again looking to the United States Supreme Court for guidance, we are reminded of the familiar case of }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Burdick v. Takushi}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 504 U.S. 430 (1992), where the Court stated eloquently that the election process is not meant to be a platform for expression of discontent or some other display.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 It is meant to choose between candidates: }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [T]he function of the election process is }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 to winnow out and finally reject all but the chosen candidates,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 not to provide a means of giving vent to }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 short}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 -}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 range political goals, pique, or personal quarrel[s].}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Attributin g to elections a more generalized expressive function would undermine the ability of States to operate elections fairly and efficiently.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Id}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 . at 438 (quoting }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Storer v. Brown,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 415 U.S. 724, 735 (1974) (second alteration in original).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In other words, while a n overvote may presumably stand for voter error or even connote a sense of discontentment with the final choice of candidates, the function of an election is to express one\rquote s will in the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 selection of an officeholder}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 and not to express one\rquote s discontent. } {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \fi-1440\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 2.\tab Ninth Circuit Case:}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Ada v. Government of Guam}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \fi-2160\li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab \tab }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 a.\tab Treatment of Ninth Circuit precedent}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [33]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab It is appropriate at this juncture to discuss the circuitous path that Guam courts have taken in the development of }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 stare decisis}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 To begin with, when the Su preme Court of Guam stood for the first time in 1996 as the first level appellate court of Guam,1{\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115167 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \super\insrsid9776200 1}{\fs20\insrsid9776200 }{\i\fs20\insrsid9776200 See generally}{\fs20\insrsid9776200 Guam Pub. L. 12-85 (July 1, 1974) (\'93Court Reorganization Act of 1974\'94); }{\i\fs20\insrsid9776200 Guam v. Olsen}{\fs20\insrsid9776200 , 431 U.S. 195 (1976); U.S. Pub. L. 98-454 \'a7 709, 98 Stat. 1732 (October 5, 1984); Guam Pub. L. 21-147 (January 14, 1993); Guam Pub. L. 23-34 (June 28, 1995). }} the pronouncement was made that decisio ns of its predecessor entity, the District Court of Guam Appellate Division, would be considered non}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 binding authority.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 People v. Quenga}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 1997 Guam 6 \'b6 13 n.4.2{\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115167 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\super\insrsid9776200 2}{\fs20\insrsid9776200 In }{\i\fs20\insrsid9776200 People v. Quenga}{\fs20\insrsid9776200 , 1997 Guam 6 \'b6 14 n.4, we stated: \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid9776200 \par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid9776200 It may go without saying, but this C ourt does not recognize the decisions of the Appellate Division as controlling our construction of law. We consider its opinions as precedent that is binding upon the trial courts of Guam, but these decisions, like those of the Court of Appeals, are consi d ered persuasive authority when we consider an issue. In providing for a Supreme Court of Guam, Congress adopted a model that puts Guam on a par judicially with the several States, which grants this Court the authority to interpret Guam's laws. The decisio ns of this Court will be reviewed in due time and course by the Supreme Court of the United States alone. }{\i\fs20\insrsid9776200 See}{\fs20\insrsid9776200 48 U.S.C. \'a7\'a7 1424-2 (1994) (also providing a period of fifteen (15) years during which the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals retains certiorari review of this Court's decisions). While we note our authority to modify pre-existing interpretations of our laws that have been determined by federal tribunals, the Appellate Division's opinion in }{\i\fs20\insrsid9776200 Herradura}{\fs20\insrsid9776200 does not present, on its face, any occasion for reconsideration. It appears well supported in law and well reasoned. The Appellant did not invite our attention to }{\i\fs20\insrsid9776200 Herradura}{\fs20\insrsid9776200 as a wrongly decided precedent. It should be underscored that the creation of the Supreme Court of Guam did not erase pre-existing case la w. Precedent that was extant when we became operational continues unless and until we address the issues discussed there. We will not divert from such precedents unless reason supports such deviation. We choose to let }{\i\fs20\insrsid9776200 Herradura}{ \fs20\insrsid9776200 stand, without our reaching the merits of the issue presented, because we see no reason to reconsider its conclusions.}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 At that time, and until 2004, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals retained reviewing jurisdiction over the Supreme Court of Guam on a }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 certiorari}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 basis.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Our cases were thus reviewable by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals as the third step in the path of appellate review ending, as in all states, with the United States Supreme Court.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 With the historic passage of House Resolution 2400, in 2004, the }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 certiorari}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 review period of the Ninth Circuit was terminated, thus putting the Supreme Court of Guam on par with state supreme courts.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Pub. L. No. 108}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 378, 118 Stat. 2206 (codified as amended in sections of 48 U.S.C. chap. 8A) (Oct. 30, 2004).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [34]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab As previously stated, the issue in the case }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 sub judice}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 involves an interpretation of the Organic Act of Guam.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 The Organic Act has the unique distinction of being Guam\rquote s }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 de facto}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 constitution, and, at the same time, a federal law.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 See generally}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 48 U.S.C. chap. 8A.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 This creates the anomalous situation wherein two separate and independent court systems \endash the federal and local courts \endash have original jurisdiction over questions arising under the Organic Act and could conceivably render opposing opinions.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 While a direct conflict is not likely, and is not the case in this instance, any such conflict between the federal and local court systems in interpreting our }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 de facto}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 constitution may be ultimately resolved by this nation\rquote s highest tribunal \endash the United States Supreme Court.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [35]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab Under the principles of }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 stare decisis }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 as they exist in American jurisprudence, we do not regard the termination of the Ninth Circuit review as a termination of the precedential value of cases involving Organic Act issues that rose to the Ninth Circuit thr ough the federal appellate process, as in the instant case, or through the local court appellate process during the Ninth Circuit review period.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Rather, Ninth Circuit cases that address Organic Act issues will be binding on the trial courts of Guam to the extent that this court has not addressed such issues.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Moreover, Ninth Circuit cases that address Organic Act issues will be followed by this court, insofar as such cases are reasonably supported by law.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 That is, because the Supreme Court of Guam is now the final arbiter of questions arising through the jurisdiction of the courts of Guam (short of final }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 certiorari}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 review by the United States Supreme Court), we recognize our authority to depart from Ninth Circuit cases interpreting the Organic Act of Guam only in the rare instance where we believe that such cases are unsupported by law.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \fi-2160\li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab \tab }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 b.\tab The merits of the Ninth Circuit opinion}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [36]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab Underwood/Aguon rely heavily on the Ninth Circuit case of }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Ada v. Government of Guam}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 179 F.3d 672, where the court held that }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \lquote a majority of the votes cast in any election\rquote means that a gubernatorial slate must receive a majority of all votes cast in the general election, whether they be, with respect to the gubernatorial race, undervotes, overvotes, write}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 -}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 in votes, or votes for one of the slates.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Id.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 at 678.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In particular, Underwood/Aguon argue that while the United States Supreme Court reversed the Ninth Circuit opinion, the reversal only spoke to the issue of whether the term }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 any election}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 meant the gubernatorial election or the general election.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 We disagree.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [37]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab First, the Ninth Circuit court\rquote s reference to overvotes was not necessary to the adjudication of the case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 We therefore regard it as dicta.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Dictum is }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [a]n opinion expressed by a court, but which, not being necessarily involved in the case, lacks the force of an adjudication . . . .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Michael Sean Quinn, }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Argument and Authority in Common Law Advocacy and Adjudication: An Irreducible Pluralism of Principles}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 74 Chi.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Kent L. Rev. 655, 710 (1999) (quoting }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Grigsby v. Reib}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 153 S.W. 1124, 1126 (Tex. 1919); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In re Tuttle}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 291 F.3d 1238, 1242 (10th Cir.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 2002) (describing dicta as } {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 statements and comments in an opinion concerning some rule of law or legal proposition not necessarily involved nor essential to determina tion of the case at hand.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ) (quoting }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Rohrbaugh v. Celotex Corp}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ., 53 F.3d 1181, 1184 (10th Cir.1995)).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Such expressions of opinion, not in anywise necessary for the actual decision of any question before the court, are not controlling authorities in any sense, although they may at times have persuasive effect.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 State ex rel. Anderson v. Hostetter}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 140 S.W.2d 21, 24 (Mo.1940); }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 see also Mun. of San Juan v. Rullan}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 318 F.3d 26, 28 n.3 (1st Cir. 2003) (}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Dicta \endash as opposed to a court\rquote s holdings\endash have no bindin g effect in subsequent proceedings in the same (or any other) case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ) (citation omitted); }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Dunn Constr. Co. v. Craig}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 3 So.2d 834, 835 (Miss. 1941) (stating that when an issue }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 is not before the Court, . . . any opinion expressed thereon is mere dictum not binding on any one.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Medford v. Bd. of Trustees}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 175 P.2d 95, 97 (Kan. 1946) (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Dicta and obiter dicta which go beyond the case may be respected but should not control a judgment in a subsequent case when the precise point is presented, argued and considered by the entire court.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Buehler v. Bd. of Supervisors}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 183 N.E. 384, 386 (N.Y. 1932) (stating that when a statement made }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 was not necessary to the decision [it] is not binding upon this court} {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ). }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [38]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab The Ninth Circuit }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Ada }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 case, where there were 609 overvotes, clearly was not argued and not decided on the issue of overvotes.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 179 F.3d at 675.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 As stated at oral argument by counsel for Underwood/Aguon, Appellant Gutierrez in }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Ada}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 did not need the 609 votes to prevail in the Ninth Circuit; he needed only the 1,313 blank ballots.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Concededly, Appellee Ada needed both the undervotes and the overvotes to secure a runoff, but Ada was the appellee in the Ninth Circuit case, so the overvotes were irrelevant to the Appellee\rquote s}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 position and therefore not relevant to the outcome.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Therefore, since the 609 votes would not have been determinative in the }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Ada }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 case, it fits squarely into the definition of dicta.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [39]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab Only holdings that are necessary for the adjudication of a case should be treated as precedent.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Quinn, }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 supra}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 at 711 (stating that }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 dicta could be anything not necessary to the resolution of the case}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In addition, while a holding may not address the main issue of the case, but still is necessary to reach a conclusion, then in that case, it also may be treated as precedent.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 This is not the case with the Ninth Circuit\rquote s discussion regarding overvotes \endash overvotes were clearly not necessary to the adjudication of the case before it and the references to overvotes can accordingly be regarded as dicta.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [I]f a court decides a point of law, after the adversarial parties have raised it and argued it and after the court has thought about it carefully, then it is binding on some range of courts (possibly including the court that d ecided the point) if it was a matter of some importance in the decided case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Id. }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 at 684.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Nevertheless, as with the issue of overvotes in }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Ada}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , when a court\rquote s statements are }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 not necessary to the actual holding of the case,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 then such }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 statements are properly considered dicta, and are not binding.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Kool, Mann, Coffee & Co. v. Coffey}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 300 F.3d 340, 355 (3rd Cir. 2002).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [40]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab Second, we believe that upon review, the United States Supreme Court expressly rejected the Ninth Circuit \rquote s rationale which supports the inclusion of overvotes in determining the majority of the votes cast.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In particular, the Court expressly rejected the Ninth Circuit\rquote s notion that the use of the term }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 votes cast}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 in the Organic Act means }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ballots cast.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Gutierrez}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 528 U.S. at 255}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 56.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Rather, in construing the phrase }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 majority of votes cast}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 in section 1422, the Court stated that when Congress used the term }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 votes}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 in the context of }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 votes cast,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 it undoubtedly meant }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 votes}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 and not }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ballots.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Id.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 The Court recognized:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 It would be equally odd to think that after repeatedly using }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 votes}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 or }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 vote}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 to mean an expression of choice for the gubernatorial sla te, Congress suddenly used }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 votes cast in any election}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 to mean }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ballots cast.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 And yet that is just what would be required if we were to treat the phrase respondents\rquote way, for they read }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 votes cast in any election}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 as referring to }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ballots containing a vote for any office.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Surely a Congress that meant to refer to ballots, midway through a statute repeatedly referring to }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 votes}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 for gubernatorial slates, would have said }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ballots.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 To argue otherwise is to tag Congress with an extravagant preference for the opaque when the use of a clear adjective or noun would have worked nicely.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 But even aside from that, Congress has shown that it recognizes the difference between ballots and votes in the very context of Guamanian elections. From 1972 until 1998, 48 U.S.C. \'a7 1712 expressly required that the Guam Delegate be elected }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 by separate ballot and by a majority of the votes cast for the office of Delegate.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 There is simply no reason to think that Congress meant }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ballots}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 when it said }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 votes}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 in \'a7 1422.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 This holding lies directly contrary to the Ninth Circuit opinion wherein the court stated that }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [a]dmittedly, this interpretation equates \lquote votes cast\rquote with \lquote ballots cast.\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Ada}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 179 F.3d at 677 n.5.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [41]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab Importantly, to the extent that the Ninth Circuit\rquote s st atement regarding overvotes remains viable, we nonetheless conclude that it is unsupported by law.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 That is, the Ninth Circuit case of }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Ada v. Government of Guam}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 qualifies in this instance as a rare case where, due to unsound reasoning on the part of the Ni nth Circuit Court of Appeals as discussed below, we must depart from, and ultimately reject, the Ninth Circuit Court\rquote s interpretation of the Organic Act of Guam.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [42]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab This is because while the United States Supreme Court did not expressly address the issue of overvotes, the}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 rationale}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 employed by the Ninth Circuit in concluding that undervotes should be counted to determine the majority of the votes cast is }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 the very same rationale}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 used by that court to similarly count overvotes.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 This rationale, which equates }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ballots}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 with }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 votes,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 was expressly overturned by the United States Supreme Court.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 See}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Gutierrez}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 528 U.S. at 255}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 56.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [43]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab Moreover, the Ninth Circuit court, in concluding that both undervotes }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 and }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 overvotes should be counted in determining whether a gubernatorial team achieved the requisite majority of votes cast, declined to apply the principles pronounced by the Supreme Court in }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Cass}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 95 U.S. at 369 (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [T]he established rule as to the effect of elections in the absence of any statutory regulation to the contrary [is that a]ll qualified voters who absent themselves from an election duly called are presumed to }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 assent to the expressed will of the majority of those voting}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , unless the law providing for the election otherwise declares. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ) (emphasis added).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 The Ninth Circuit further declined to apply the similar principle found in the Third Circuit case of }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Todman}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 v. Boschulte}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 694 F.2d 939 (3d Cir. 1982), where the court agreed with a previously announced rule that }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 voters not attending the election or not voting on the matter submitted are presumed to assent to the expressed will of those attending and voting and are not to be taken into consideration in determining the result.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 at 941 (quoting}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Euwema v. Todman,}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 8 V.I. 224, 231 (D. V.I. 1971)).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In doing so, the Third Circuit Court also failed to consider the Supreme Court cases which discuss the nature of the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 vote}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 and the purpose of an }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 election.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 See, e.g.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Foster}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 522 U.S. at 71 (relying on federal statutes\rquote references to an election as }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 actions of voters and officials meant to make a final selection of an officeholder}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Newberry}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 256 U.S. at 250 (describing an election as a }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 final choice . . . by the duly qualified electors}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Classic}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 313 U.S. at 318 (characterizing an election as }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 the expre ssion by qualified electors of their choice of candidates.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 ). }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [44]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab To interpret the relevant Organic Act language as the Ninth Circuit court has, especially in the face of clear guidance by the Supreme Court as to the definition of vote and the purpose of an election, would be to rewrite our Organic Act, as the Ninth Circuit erroneously did in the }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Ada}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 case.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 For these reasons, we find that the Ninth Circuit case is unsupported by law, and thus we exercise our authority to depart from, and reject, the Ninth Circuit case to the extent that it has any remaining precedential value subsequent to its reversal by the United States Supreme Court.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \fi-1440\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 3.\tab }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Smith}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 and other cases}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [45]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab Petitioners Underwood/Aguon also rely on the case of }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Smith v. Board of Commissioners}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 6 5 N.W. 956 (Minn. 1896), where the issue was how to calculate a }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 majority of votes cast}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "} {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 on a referendum to change the county seat.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In that case, the court held that unintelligible as well as intelligible ballots must be considered in determining the denominator from which to calculate the 55% majority.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Smith}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , however, is of limited precedence because it is a referendum case, and as the Supreme Court in }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Gutierrez}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , instructs, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [r]eferendums are exceptions to the normal legislative process, and passage of a referendum is not itself essential to the functioning of government.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 528 U.S. at 256.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [46]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab Moreover, when presented with the reasoning in }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Smith}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , other cases have declined to follow it.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 For instance, in }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 State ex rel. Short v. Clausen}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 130 P. 479 (Wash. 1913), on a proposition to issue water bonds, the issue was whether to count unintelligible ballots as well as intelligible ones.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 There, the court declined to follow }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Smith}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 65 N.W. 956, and held that only those ballots which clearly express the voter\rquote s choice can count.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 That case reasoned that only ballots that reflect the voter\rquote s choice can be counted as for or against the proposition.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 130 P. at 480.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [47]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab In yet another case, }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 State ex rel. Consolidated School District v. Smith,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 109 S.W.2d 857}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 (Mo. 1937), in determining whether undervotes or overvotes would be included in the aggregate number of votes cast in an election to authorize school board bonds, the court held that both undervotes and overvotes are not included.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 On the same reasoning we adopt here, since an undervote reflects no choice any more than does an overvote, that neither should be counted.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 The Missouri court held that the term }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 votes}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 required }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 showing a preference either in the affirmative or negative for the proposition voted on.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Id. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 at 858.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [48]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab However, as pointed out by the Supreme Court in}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Gutierrez}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 in response to the argument that passing a referendum requires a majority of voters going to the polls and not a majority of persons voting in a particular referendum issue:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [T]here is no uniform rule, and even if there were, treatment of referendums would not be a plausible model for elections of officials.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 528 U.S. at 256 (citations omitted).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [49]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab We therefore place no weight on Underwood/Aguon\rquote s reliance on the }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Smith }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 case on this issue, primarily because the case involved a referendum, and in the }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Gutierrez}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 case, the Supreme Court has instructed us to deal with referendums differently.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 See}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 528 U.S. at 256.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 } {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Beyond that, }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Smith}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 appears to be an anomaly, a case where the determination of a }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 majority}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 is simply deviated from by other cases faced with the same issue.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 See also Stembredge v. Newton}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 99 S.E.2d 133, 134 (Ga. 1957); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Port of Palm Beach Dist. v. State}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 22 So. 2d 581, 582 (Fla. 1945).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 C.\tab Constitutionality of 3 GCA \'a7 11114}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [50]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab Having defined the phrase }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 elected by a majority of the votes cast}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 in the constitutional sense, we next consider whether 3 GCA \'a7 11114 (2005) is in conflict with such definition.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [51]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab An analysis of the constitutionality (or organicity) of a local statute }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 must begin with the general rule that legislative enactments are presumed to be constitutional.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In re Request of Governor Gutierrez}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 2002 Guam 1 \'b6 41;}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In re Request of Governor Camacho 2004}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 2004 Guam 10 \'b6 33.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [52]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab A party challenging the c onstitutionality of a local law bears the burden of establishing its unconstitutionality.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In re Request of Governor Gutierrez}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 , 2002 Guam 1 \'b6 41 (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [H]e who alleges the unconstitutionality of an act bears the burden of proof}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 . . .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [and] the validity of ac ts is to be upheld if at all possible with all doubt resolved in favor of legality and unconstitutionality will be decreed only when no other reasonable alternative presents itself. . . .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 )}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [53]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab In this case, Underwood/Aguon bears the burden of establishing that 3 GCA \'a7 11114 lies in violation of the Organic Act of Guam.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [54]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab Title 3 GCA \'a7 11114, entitled }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Ballot, Invalid Portions Rejected; Blank Ballots and Improperly Marked Ballots are Not \lquote Votes Cast\rquote for Calculating a Majority,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 states:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 If a voter indicates either:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \fi720\li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 (a) by placing the voter\rquote s marks in the voting ovals or other spaces adjacent to the names of any candidates or nominees;}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 (b) by writing the names of persons for an office in the blank spaces, or}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par }\pard \ql \fi720\li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 (c) by a combination of both, the choice of more than there are candidates or nominees to be elected or certified for any office, or if for any reason it is impossible to determine the voter\rquote s choice for any office, the voter's ballot shall not be counted for that office, but the rest of the voter's ballot, if properly marked, shall be counted. }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 A ballot that is blank, or that is marked with more candidates or nominees than are to be nominated or elected, is not to be included as a part of the base for determi ning what constitutes a majority in each election requiring a candidate or nominee to garner a majority of votes in order to be nominated or elected.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10290620 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 (Emphasis added.)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [55]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab The above statute clearly requires the Commission to exclude overvotes from the bas e in its determination of what constitutes a majority in any election,3{\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115167 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\super\insrsid9776200 3}{ \fs20\insrsid9776200 In fact, most states have enacted legislation which does not allow a vote to be counted if the will of the voter cannot be ascertained. We were reminded of this in }{\i\fs20\insrsid9776200 Bush v. Gore}{\fs20\insrsid9776200 , 531 U.S. 98 (2000), where in his dissent, Justice John Paul Stevens noted that the United States Supreme Court had \'93never before called into question the substantive standard by which a State determines that a vote has been legally cast.\'94 }{ \i\fs20\insrsid9776200 Id. }{\fs20\insrsid9776200 at 125. In making this observation, Justice Stevens notes that the majority of states have adopted statutes which \'93apply either an \lquote intent of the voter\rquote standard or an \lquote impossible to determine the elector\rquote s choice\rquote standard in ballot recounts.\'94 }{\i\fs20\insrsid9776200 Id. }{\fs20\insrsid9776200 at 125-26. He furth er noted that there were statutes in Arizona, Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming which will not count votes where the \'93intent of the voter\'94 cannot be ascertained, and that Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee and West Virginia all had statute s refusing to count a vote if it is \'93impossible to determine\'94 the intent of the voter. }{\i\fs20\insrsid9776200 Id. }{\fs20\insrsid9776200 at 124 n.2. At issue in the }{\i\fs20\insrsid9776200 Bush v. Gore}{\fs20\insrsid9776200 case was the Florida statute which defined a vote as \'93a clear indication of the intent of the voter.\'94 }{\i\fs20\insrsid9776200 See}{\fs20\insrsid9776200 }{\i\fs20\insrsid9776200 Gore v. Harris}{\fs20\insrsid9776200 , 772 So. 2d 1243 (2000). }} and therefore, we find that section 11114 is not inconsistent with section 1422 of the Organic Act of Guam.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 In particular, the exclusion of overvotes is not inconsistent with our holding above that }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 in order to determine, in the constitutional sense, whether a gubernatorial slate has been \lquote elected by a majority of the votes cast,\rquote only expressions of will or choice, or final selections of an officeholder, may be properly included in the total number of votes cast.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 See}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \'b6 29.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [56]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab Again here, the primary support relied upon by Underwood/Aguon in challenging the above statute is the Ninth Circuit opinion.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Because we have declined to follow what is left of the Ninth Circuit opinion, we hold that Petitioners Underwood/Aguon have fail ed to establish the unconstitutionality of the local law which, as it stands today with respect to the exclusion of overvotes in the determination of a majority of votes cast is not inconsistent with the relevant provision of section 1422 of the Organic A ct}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 as defined in the constitutional sense.4{\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115167 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\super\insrsid9776200 4}{\insrsid9776200 }{\fs20\insrsid9776200 We also reject Underwood/Aguon\rquote s related argument that 3 GCA \'a7 11114 should not be complied with because of the Commission\rquote s historical practice of not including overvotes in determining whether a gubernatorial slate has garnered the requisite majority. We agree with Camacho/Cruz that failure to enforce the law in prior elections does not forgive the failure to follow the law in this election.}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 V.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [57]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab We hold that in order to determine whether a gubernatorial slate has been }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 elected by a majority of the votes cast,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 as such phrase is used in the Organic Act of Guam, only expressions of will or choice, or final selections of an officeholder, may be properly included in the total number of votes cast.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 The conver se of this rule is that the 504 persons who overvoted, or voted for both gubernatorial slates, have not expressed their will in deciding who should be the next Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and have thereby assented to the will of those thousands of v oters who have properly expressed their will and duly participated in such election.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 Accordingly, we hold that the Organic Act requires that overvotes be excluded by the Commission for purposes of determining whether a gubernatorial slate has been }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 elected by a majority of votes cast.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 [58]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 \tab The Verified Petition for a Writ of Mandamus ordering the Commission to conduct a runoff for failure of the Camacho/Cruz team to be elected by a majority of the votes cast is hereby }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9776200\charrsid10290620 DENIED. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10290620 \par }}