Electors without voter IDs behind delays at the polls – EOJ

The Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) says the long wait being experienced by some voters across the island is due to the absence of voter identification cards.

The EOJ explained that the lack of ID cards has lengthened the process of verifying voters' identities, resulting in delays.

Some voters have complained of waiting more than two hours to cast their ballots, while others have reported waiting times of three hours or more before receiving a ballot.

"The cause of the long wait is generally a result of a significant number of electors who turn up to vote without their voter ID card and have to undergo alternative verification procedures, which lengthens the processing time," the EOJ said.

Electors without a voter ID card issued by the EOJ must answer a series of questions and satisfy the presiding officer of their identity. They are then sworn in and allowed to vote.

The long wait appears to be impacting the voter turnout.

As of 11:00 a.m., the EOJ reported a turnout of just 14.8 per cent.

This low turnout is likely a concern for both major political parties, which have drawn huge crowds at recent mass rallies held across the island.

At the same time during the COVID-19 elections of 2020, 16 per cent of eligible electors had voted by 11:00 a.m. The voter turnout at that hour in the 2016 general election was 16.96 per cent.

If the current pace continues, the record low turnout of 37.9 per cent in 2020 could be threatened.

The EOJ noted, however, that voting will continue until every person in line at 5:00 p.m. is allowed to cast their ballot.

-Erica Virtue

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on X @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar, or on Whatsapp @ 876-550-2506.