GREAT BAY:--- When the polls open on August 29; Election Day, every citizen over the age of 18 will be able to cast a vote, but before going to the polls there are some things an electorate must know, to be able to exercise this right and to do so as an informed voter.
"The right to vote is one that some people take for granted but it is one that defines our nation as a democracy," Leona Romeo-Marlin, Number 2 candidate on the United St. Maarten party (USp) explained. "For some persons this will be their first time voting and it is important that they understand the voting process and also how important their one vote is to any candidate or party. That said, it shouldn't be taken lightly."
She further explained that persons need to grasp the magnitude of their right and responsibility as a voter, because once they understand this, then they cannot be bought or manipulated into casting their vote. "During this entire process so far where I have been canvassing, meeting with people and hearing their concerns, many have indicated that they will not be voting and based on the track record the government has to show for this, you can hardly blame the electorates for not wanting to," Romeo-Marlin said. "But what we need to communicate to these people is that we know they are hurting, but not voting will solve absolutely nothing. Your vote is your voice and you need to know that you have the right to be heard."
"Elected officials make important (often life and death) decisions about how our society will use its collective resources and the restraints it will place on individual behavior," she said. "Therefore, choosing the right person, someone who is capable, qualified and able to make such decisions are all qualities one should look at before casting their vote."
The first step to getting involved in the voting process is being registered. Once, registered with the Dutch nationality, the individual will be automatically eligible to vote in this election. This is only applicable if the person was registered before the close off date of the registry which was on June 11 2014.
Persons who will turn 18 on the day of election (Aug 29th) or before the election date are also eligible to vote. There are 3 forms of official identification that will be accepted at the polling stations once valid;
- ID Card,
- Dutch Passport
- Driver's license
One must present their voting card and at least one of the aforementioned identification in order to vote. A ballot will be given at the polling station and it is important to circle in your candidate of choice, refrain from coming out of the given space as this may cause the ballot to be invalid. Marlin-Romeo stated that it is important for all voters to be well informed and prepared for August 29th 2014.
USP Press Release