A number of older persons – some in wheelchairs or using walkers – were among the voters who came out to cast their ballots for their local Government representatives in Portmore, St Catherine on Monday.

Ninety-four-year-old Nugent Palmer was one of the elderly persons determined to exercise his rights when he voted at the Braeton Primary and Infant School. He was accompanied by his daughter and granddaughter, who also voted.

Palmer told Observer Online that he decided to come out to vote, despite his advanced age, because he believes it is the citizens who decide who represents them, and he has a right to help make that choice.

“I realise that the citizens of the country have to make the decision who they want to vote for and who they believe will do good for the community,” he said.

His daughter, Patricia, said it is from her father that a family tradition of voting was born – for both General and Local Government elections, noting that the  entire family normally votes  for the same party

Palmer’s granddaughter Camilia, said she was voting in honour of her grandmother, who died at 88 years old after contracting the coronavirus (COVID-19).

“This would’ve been what she wanted and I have to do it for her,” she declared.

Also adamant that she had to exercise her right to vote was Kadeish Spence who came to the Gregory Park Primary School polling station with her four-week-old baby swaddled in her arms, stating simply that: “I love my party”.

These dedicated voters were among the low turnout observed throughout the day. Even up to 3:30 pm, the voter turnout still appeared to be low as not many supporters were seen at the various polling stations Observer Online visited throughout the day. The only areas that seemed to have a reasonable turnout of voters were the Braeton Primary and  Infant School and Naggo Head Primary School polling stations.

Voters with whom Observer Online spoke, had mixed reactions regarding the voting process. Some complained that the voting process was slow; while others said the process was quick and was over in about five minutes.

Also, of note, was the heightened security at the various polling stations throughout the divisions. However, the increased presence of police and soldiers was more evident at the Gregory Park Primary School, which is one of the polling stations for the Gregory Park Division. They were also out in their numbers at Naggo Head Primary School, one of the polling stations for the Southboro Division.