BENSONTON, St Ann — Gilmore Williams and his wife of 37-years, Larose, have always made an effort to vote, and Monday’s poll was no different.

Though settling in McDowell, St Ann, more than five miles from the closest polling station which is in Bensonton, they usually make arrangements to be transported by a designated taxi driver.

The couple was seen making their way to cast their ballots when the Jamaica Observer spoke with 73-year-old Larose. She explained that her 81-year-old husband was unable to communicate due to impaired hearing.

“We don’t live close to here but a vehicle come for us and carry we to vote, and when we are done it takes us back to our home,” she told the Observer.

“We always try our best to vote [but] in 2016 we never vote because we were sick,” she added.

The Bensonton Division is in rural St Ann South Eastern. Councillor Lydia Richards of the People’s National Party was the elected representative for more than 20 years but the party replaced her with Clovis Cohagen. Richards then declared herself an independent and is facing off against Cohagen and the JLP’s Maxine Simpson.

Larose said she is hoping that the next representative for the Bensonton Division will be able to restore the supply of potable water to their community.

“We have a river, but the pump break down so we would like them to be fixed. I would love if I can get a black water drum because I live on a hill. It’s hard to get water up there because it’s just me and my husband and we can’t manage to take the water,” she said.

This wish to get effective representation is why the couple has made an effort to vote.

“As a citizen in the community we are not voting for house and car and land, but we choosing Tom or a Harry to upkeep things and just be good for the people,” said the elderly woman.

The Bensonton Division is a known PNP stronghold.