Elections office aims to cut postal ballots

(CNS): With preparations underway for the 20 May General Election and National Referendum, the Elections Office is seeking to cut the number of postal ballots this year with the deployment of its mobile voting system.  Anyone who wants to use the mobile voting booths must still apply in advance the office said. The only people who will be allowed to use a postal ballot will be those who are overseas at the time of the election.

Mobile voting stations will actually go to the elderly or disabled so they can no longer apply for postal ballots, the election office explained but must instead apply to vote at a mobile station. Applications are now available at all post offices, the Elections Office website , the Elections Office or from district registering officers. Forms then need to be returned as soon as possible, with the absolute deadline being 7 May, to the Elections Office by hand or post.

Supervisor of Elections Kearney Gomez said people applying for postal or mobile ballots must complete two applications forms – one for the General Election and one for the Referendum.  

Twelve days before the election, the Elections Office will post the names of voters registered to use the mobile booths and the schedule of mobile stations in each district.

“The first issue of postal ballots will be seven days after nomination day, which is on 25 March, and the ballots will be sent out by Returning Officers, via registered mail,” Gomez explained, adding that voters will have to sign for their documents.

Postal voters can return their ballot by regular mail or courier up until the actual polls close on the evening of Election Day .

Contacts for district registering officers from who forms can be obtained are as follows: West Bay Darlene Owens-Elliot 916 4402; George Town, Kathryn Myles 916 2117; Bodden Town, Kerry Nixon 916 4478; East End, Vernicia Watler 916 4647; North Side, Esther Ebanks 916 4349 Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, Georgene Lazzari 948 0343