ST JAMES, Jamaica — Intent on bouncing back strongly after a loss by just two votes in the 2016 local government election, Jamaica Labour Party candidate Gregory Harris is leaving nothing to chance.

He is again going up against the People’s National Party’s (PNP), Sylvan Reid for Salt Spring Division in St James.

“I’m really focused on getting out the voters. We know where our numbers are, we ensure that we get them out and convert them into the ballot box,” he told Observer Online just about midday on Monday.

So far, Harris said, he was encouraged by what he has seen from the voters in the division and he believes he can take it this time.

“I am confident because I know that I would have put in the work, we would have done the canvas, we know where to find the voters. All we just need to do is ensure that they come to the polling stations and put their vote in the ballot box,” he declared.

His opponent is equally confident that he will win.

“I am absolutely encouraged by the turn out of the people and I am sure the reason for that is because they want to see Sylvan Reid again as their councillor for the third time,” he stated.

Reid also claimed that, so far, the prospects on the ground look good and he believes he will be able to draw out enough voters to secure a decisive victory this time around.

Reid took the seat following a magisterial recount in 2016 when he took home 1,049 of the ballots cast to Harris’ 1,047. Harris was initially announced as the victor by 19 votes at the time.

For both men, the day’s activities have been smooth and they are looking forward to the outcome later today.

“The process for some was a bit longer because some didn’t have their ID. Apart from that there is not much delay, not much issues,” Harris stated.

For Reid, the mood in the division is refreshing.

“What I’m encouraged about is that it is steadily flowing and going well. No crime, no problems, everything is running smoothly and that is what we want in the Salt Spring division,” he said.