Electors allowed time off to vote in Portland Eastern by-election
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) is reminding employers and electors that registered voters who intend to cast their ballots in the April 4 by-election in Portland Eastern are entitled to a three-hour time off from work on Election Day.
The time off to vote is in addition to the usual lunch hour and voters are encouraged to make the appropriate arrangements with their employers before Election Day.
The law does not apply to people who commence work at 10:00 am or later, or end work at or before 2:00 pm.
Voting will take place in 127 polling stations across 49 voting locations. Polling stations will open at 7:00 am and close at 5:00 pm.
The EOJ is also reminding voters to bring their Voters’ ID card with them, as the only ID card accepted on Election Day is the Elector Registration Identification Card (Voters ID) issued by the Electoral Office.
If individuals do not take their ID cards, they must swear or affirm to an oath of identity and be fingerprinted in order to verify their identity.
According to EOJ, this increases the amount of time spent in the voting area, resulting in longer waiting times for other voters.
The EOJ also noted that only individuals whose names appear on the November 30, 2018 Voters’ List will be allowed to vote.
There are 36,315 registered voters in the Portland Eastern constituency. Only electors registered to vote in this constituency will be allowed to vote in the upcoming election.
Electors who are still unclear where to vote, may check the Electoral Commission of Jamaica’s website at www.ecj.com.jm and click on “Query Voters’ List” to find out at which polling station they are to cast their ballots.
The use or display of cell phones and cameras is not allowed inside polling stations.
Meanwhile, the office said all is in place for the by-election as it has ensured the timely preparation and distribution of all materials necessary for conducting the polls, including training of Election Day workers.
Candidates are being reminded that election camaigning ceases on Wednesday April 3; 24 hours before the start of polling on April 4.
