3 hours ago
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With the September 3 General Election just days away, the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) is calling on all registered voters to familiarise themselves with the voting process to ensure a smooth and efficient experience at the more than 7,000 polling stations across the island.
Director of Elections Glasspole Brown told JIS News that, “upon arrival at the designated polling station, an assigned presiding officer will verify the elector’s identity and check for ink on their fingers to ensure they have not already voted.”
While electors without a voter identification (ID) card will still be allowed to vote, they will be required to complete a form and take an oath confirming their identity as registered voters.
“Once verified, voters will receive a ballot and proceed to a private booth to mark their preferred candidate. The presiding officer will then provide instructions on how to fold the ballot to protect the secrecy of the vote. After depositing the ballot into the ballot box, voters will be asked to dip a finger in ink to indicate that they have voted,” Brown explained.
He emphasised that the process is transparent, secure, and accessible to all eligible voters, while encouraging Jamaicans to exercise their democratic right responsibly.
The Director also reminded voters to comply with instructions from presiding officers, avoid campaigning or discussing their vote inside polling stations, and to refrain from using mobile phones. Neutral clothing is recommended, as garments with slogans or images of candidates are not permitted.
To maintain order and ensure efficiency, electors will be required to leave the polling station promptly after casting their ballot.
“As soon as you complete the process of voting, we urge electors to leave the compound and return home or to work,” Brown said.
On Election Day, more than 7,250 polling stations will open islandwide from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., giving Jamaicans the opportunity to cast their ballots.
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