PORTLAND, Jamaica — Persistent early morning showers are not stopping the residents of Portland Eastern from turning out to vote in the by-election now underway. 

From early this morning Portlanders, prepared for the rain, turned out at polling stations with umbrellas and rain coats to mark their votes for the People’s National Party’s Damion Crawford or the Jamaica Labour Party’s Ann-Marie Vaz.

At the Sea Side Basic School in Hectors River, outdoor agents for both parties sheltered under tents as the rain pelted those not so lucky to fit, while voters, with umbrellas waited in line. 

It was a similar story at the Long Road Basic School where a long line of voters slowly cast their ballot.

Hectors River and Long Road are both in the Manchioneal Division, which was won by the JLP in a close contest with the PNP in the 2016 general election.

Electoral officials in Manchioneal have reported that so far, voting has been smooth with the rain having no impact on the proceedings. 

They say the polling stations opened promptly and everything is in place to ensure a smooth process until closing time at 5:00 pm.