Smooth early voting for election day workers, security forces
The Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) received high marks for Friday’s early voting arrangements for members of the security forces and election day workers ahead of the September 3 General Election.
During the Jamaica Observer’s visit to a a number polling stations in the Corporate Area, the general feedback was that the voting process was smooth.
“The process leading up to voting was easy. They gave you a number, sent you in a line. The election workers outlined what you are to do, step by step. I would attribute that to proper planning,” a policeman who requested anonymity shared with the
Observer at Police Officers’ Club in St Andrew, where one of the polling stations was sited.
At the Harman Barracks Polling Station, short lines and easy flow of voters in and out were indicative of a smooth process.
“I am just ensuring I exercise my right to vote,” one woman said.
One man, while wiping ink from his index finger, said “Everything was easy, easy, easy.”
At Mamby Park Baptist Church in St Andrew, a woman who gave her name as Miss Palmer explained that she will be working on election day and had to come out and vote for herself and her family.
“My aunty is a pensioner. Her pension was $7,000 per month — and I can show you that as proof. This Government increased that pension amount which brings it up to $44,000 per month. My mother and father, who are also elderly, have medication. I use the National Health Fund card and bought their medication at a lower cost. I used to pay like $16,000 per parent on medication,” she said.
“I came out to vote because I am a Jamaican. I am doing it for the pensioners, for free health care, and free education. As a public sector worker I have received the biggest increase under the Andrew Holness Administration. Crime is at its lowest. I have seen the performance. I have seen the $1.5-million [income tax threshold] policy work. I have seen the improvement,” she shared.
“I am not here voting because I am a diehard. I am voting on what I have seen and experienced. I believe in performance, and if I have to sit here until five o’clock I am going to do it and I am going to do it with pride and dignity. I am waiting in the line to vote, whether rain or sunshine,” she said.
Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force gather at the Harman Barracks Polling Station in Kingston on Friday, August 29, 2025. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)