City Urges Voters To Take Part In Election
The City of Hamilton is “encouraging all eligible voters to take part in the upcoming municipal election on May 7 and play a role in shaping the future of their City.”
A spokesperson said, “Municipal elections provide City residents and business ratepayers with an opportunity to have their say in the leadership and direction of Hamilton. From infrastructure and public spaces to events and services, decisions made at the municipal level have a direct impact on daily life in the City.”
Mayor Charles Gosling encouraged participation from all eligible voters, stating: “Voting in the municipal election is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to be part of the City’s future. I encourage everyone who is eligible to ensure they are registered and to come out and vote.”
Who Can Vote?
A spokesperson added, “You may be eligible to vote in the municipal election if you are:
- A City resident listed on the Parliamentary Register; or
- A business ratepayer, or a designated representative of a business that pays rates within the City
How to Make Sure You’re Registered
“Residents: Check that you are registered on the Parliamentary Register (the same register used for general elections). If you have recently moved to Hamilton or recently turned 18, you should confirm that your registration details are up to date with the Parliamentary Registry. To be eligible to vote in the municipal residents’ election, you must be a Bermudian resident living within the City of Hamilton.
“Business ratepayers: Business ratepayers are reminded that voting in a municipal election is not automatic. To ensure you are eligible to vote, you must ensure your business is registered and that a designated voter [nominee] has been appointed. The nominee must be a director, officer, or employee of the business and must also be registered on the Parliamentary Register.
“Completed business voter registration forms must be submitted to the Parliamentary Registry, along with the required supporting documentation. Businesses are encouraged to ensure this process is completed ahead of the registration deadline, as those who are not registered will not be eligible to vote. If several companies sit under the same holding structure, only the company that is the registered ratepayer is entitled to the municipal business vote.
“If you are unsure of your status, contact or check updates from the Parliamentary Registry.
How to Vote
- Voting takes place in person at designated polling stations within the City
- Voters will be required to present valid identification
- Polling locations and times will be confirmed by the Parliamentary Registry”
Mayor Gosling added: “Opportunities to have a direct say in how our City is governed should never be taken for granted. We should not be complacent when it comes to the right to vote. Participation is how residents and ratepayers show they value representation and want to have a say in their City’s future.
“For 15 years, ever since Government first stated its intentions regarding municipalities, I have advocated for and worked to protect local democratic representation in Hamilton. I believe strongly that this only works when people take part. As Aretha Franklin’s father C. L. Franklin once said, “If you anticipate failure, you will fail”. If we assume our participation doesn’t matter, then we have lost the very voice we have. So I encourage every resident and business ratepayer to make sure you are registered and to come out and vote.
“Comments made in the Senate recently suggested that low candidate turnout could justify removing a democratic process. However, participation, whether through standing for election or voting, is itself part of that process. We cannot force people to run, just as we cannot insist people vote. Choosing not to engage with the ballot box is also a decision and should be considered just as seriously as casting a vote.
“It therefore benefits every resident and ratepayer to ensure they are registered and to participate in this election. If people value having a say in their City, this is the moment to be involved.”
A spokesperson added, “The City encourages all eligible voters to confirm their details early and to look out for official election information.
“For full details on registration and voting procedures, visit the Parliamentary Registry’s official channels.”
This group has a solid record on events side walk repairs beautifying the city and so much more but fall way way short when it comes to how they handle the people who are suffering. They do things without consultation and so we can only sing and hope that these Great Prentenders who are physical and not people developers have to go. The turn out will be low,based on our recent meeting. Many are not happy. The counselor who lives in the area shouldn’t even be nominated. Gotvelected and has not been seen since and if yiu expect his support he is also a member of The Great Pretenders. Time for a change.