Early voting begins for sick and shut-ins, special services
Early voting opened Friday with contingencies for the sick and shut-ins, ensuring that those confined to hospitals and care facilities could still exercise their franchise ahead of Monday’s general election in Saint Lucia. Electoral Department teams began arriving at OKEU Hospital, Tapion Hospital, St. Jude Hospital and registered elderly care homes from 6:30 a.m., continuing […] The article Early voting begins for sick and shut-ins, special services is from St. Lucia Times.
Black News 
Early voting opened Friday with contingencies for the sick and shut-ins, ensuring that those confined to hospitals and care facilities could still exercise their franchise ahead of Monday’s general election in Saint Lucia.
Electoral Department teams began arriving at OKEU Hospital, Tapion Hospital, St. Jude Hospital and registered elderly care homes from 6:30 a.m., continuing until 6:00 p.m. Guardians of children admitted to paediatric wards were also permitted to cast ballots.
Officials explained that only individuals deemed mentally competent and bedridden beyond December 1 qualified for this process. The department credited early preparation and cooperation from facility administrators for the smooth rollout, noting very few hitches.
Alongside these efforts, members of the special services – police, fire, and correctional officers – also began voting Friday morning.
Polling stations were set up at the Gros Islet Fire Station in the North, the Police Training School in Castries, the Vieux Fort Divisional Headquarters and the Soufriere Fire Station.
In Soufriere, turnout was slow through the morning, with lines lengthening closer to midday. While many officers declined to comment, the process appeared orderly from observation.
Eligible voters across both groups were required to present valid identification, including a passport, National ID, or driver’s licence.
The article Early voting begins for sick and shut-ins, special services is from St. Lucia Times.
