Today is the start of advance polling, and Monday is when most voters will head to the polls. Here is what voters need to know as they prepare to cast their ballots.
A total of 42 candidates will be listed on the ballot, and residents will be able to vote for a representative of their district and select any four of their preferred at-large candidates.
Some voters’ polling stations may differ today and on Polling Day, according to the Office of the Supervisor of Elections (see sidebar). Today, polling stations will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tortola and Virgin Gorda, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Anegada.
Voters for both advance polling and Polling Day must provide a valid form of government-issued identification, which can include a passport, belonger card, driver’s licence, National Health Insurance card, previously issued voter identification card, or a letter issued by the Civil Registry and Passport Office.
After providing valid identification, anyone who is at least 65 years old or differently abled can vote early, as can anyone assisting them with casting their ballot.
“The relative or friend can only assist one person and must also be a registered voter within the same electoral district as the person that they are assisting,” the election office stated in a March 21 press release. “They will not be allowed to assist another voter on Polling Day.”
Additional categories of voters may cast their ballots today, but only if they had submitted an early voting form by last Thursday.
They include election officers, police officers, people with confirmed travel plans outside of the VI on Polling Day, people on remand, nominated candidates, medical personnel, prison officers, social care providers, and people whose work schedules prevent them from voting on Monday.