Strongest voter turnout expected

Mario Ebanks,
West Bay Alliance candidate

Monday,  May 9, 2005

Voter turnout has always been high in the Cayman Islands but given the community’s concerns on the issues of the day this Election is expected to record the highest it has ever been. 

“There is more interest in the elections this year judging from the turnout at the public meetings and forums,” said Supervisor of Elections Kearney Gomez. He explained the average turnout in election year 2000 was approximately 82 percent and in 1996 it was 85 percent.

Additionally, there are more registered electors this year with 13,148 registered voters compared to 11,636 in 2000. The increase is a result of people coming of age and acquiring citizenship. 

“The voter turnout has always been pretty high but I think it will be higher this year,” said Mr Gomez.

The word on the street is that there will be a good turnout and many of the politicians fighting for a seat are hoping so. West Bay Alliance Mario Ebanks said they have done research for West Bay and estimated the turnout could reach as high as 95 percent. 

“We believe the turnout is going to be close to 95 percent,” said Mr Ebanks, “because we have been out there talking to a lot of people and there is a massive amount of concern in the community. And they are upset about the mass of status grants and violent crimes and they are hearing a lot of excuses and double talk so people want to see a change. I think they will come out in mass and demonstrate their concern.”

Independent candidate Sandra Catron said that some voters may still be in recovering mode from Ivan. 

“It may not be as high as previous years because some people might still be in post-Ivan recovery mode, but I also think people realize that this is an important election so they will make the effort to get out and vote,” said Ms Catron. 

“I also think it is important to realise that they don’t have to exercise all their votes if they don’t want to. For example, there are three positions in Bodden Town but if they only want to vote for one person there is no requirement to vote to choose three individuals.” 

As member of the People’s Democratic Alliance, Berna Thompson Cummins said that a number of young people are excited about voting for the first time. 

“We have been talking to a lot of young voters out there and they are excited about being involved and voting for first. I think the voter turnout will be even higher this year,” said Ms Thompson Cummins. “It think it will be even easier to vote because there we will have six polling stations and at each polling station there will be two divisions so there will be 12 divisions in total for George Town. 

“I would like to encourage all voters to exercise their democratic right and take the time to go out and vote.”

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