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Voters: More polling stations would ease long lines

November 7th, 2011 | Tags: BVI Election 2011 voters polling stations lines
Over 100 voters were waiting at the Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre to cast their votes.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – In the 3rd, 4th, 6th and 8th districts, voters wait patiently in line to cast their ballots, and while there was some friendly “bantering”, others have expressed concern over the inadequate polling stations set up throughout Tortola.

Judith Charles was one of over 100 plus voters waiting in line at the Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre in Sea Cows Bay at around 11:30 a.m.

She opined that “there are an awful lot of people in this district, more now than they have ever been” and said it was unfortunate that only one station was set up.

“We will have to deal with what it is, and this is what it is,” Charles added. When asked what was her plan for later in the evening, the voter with a grin revealed, “We will be having a party and waiting for the results”.

Her sentiment was expressed by another voter, Nigel Sprave in the 4th district.

Sprave was lucky because he was at the House of Assembly Chambers before 6 a.m., therefore he did not have to endure the wait.

But he stated that the Elections Office should have mapped out all possibilities knowing fully there has been an increase in voters.

“I hope that they can look into this for the next general election,” he pointed out.

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Other voters nodded in agreement with many lamenting that by the time they completed the voting process, it would be time to return home rather than go back to work.

One voter, who wished not to be named, suggested that there should have been more polling stations set up in the larger districts and pointed out that the House of Assembly Chambers was not a good location since persons had to ensure the sun and rain to cast their vote. He recommended that the Elmore Stoutt High School could have been a more suited venue.

Supervisor of Elections Juliet Penn when contacted stated she could not make any comments on the issue.

5 Responses to “Voters: More polling stations would ease long lines”

  • VI Resident (07/11/2011, 15:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We are in the 21st century, yet we are not acting like it. Why did someone have to repeat for EACH and every voter the instructions regarding the district ballot and the territorial ballot? Put technology to work. This was the most rediculous part of the voting today. Another pet peeve, why can't the vote place his or her own ballot into the box? Nonsense!!!!!!! I also hate the system of the ballots being numbered and scrutinized. Is this not supposed to be a secret ballot? Where is the secrecy?????!!!!! perhaps next election, we will have finally entered the 21st century and not act like a third world country.
    • 9th District Voter (07/11/2011, 19:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I totally agree. Time for us to exit the Dark Ages and enter the 21st century. The time waiting in a line could have been significantly shortened if technology had been employed. By the way, why don't we have Voter Registration Cards or at least show picture ID?????
  • sa sal (07/11/2011, 17:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    large turn out hummmmmm I smell a rat
  • billyb (08/11/2011, 11:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    WHY MORE PEOPLE AINT ON HERE CONGRATULATING FRASER? HE STILL IN OFFICE!!!! (UNFORTUNATELY) WHY AYO SO


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