The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

TODAY, as thousands turn out to cast ballots in the highly anticipated referendum to regulate the numbers game, officials are reassuring voters that they expect a smooth process.

Since the Christie administration confirmed that it would take the issue to the Bahamian people through a referendum, discussions surrounding its implications have saturated airwaves. Proponents and opponents of the move have up to this point called their supporters to turn out to the polls despite much confusion among voters as to what will follow when the results are counted.

Prime Minister Perry Christie had promised that the government would adequately educate the electorate but voters have yet to see that effort which poses questions of whether or not Bahamians are equipped to mark their x’s appropriately. With that, political pundits have told voters to vote no.

Nonetheless, the day which will determine if web shop gaming will become legal has arrived and when The Tribune spoke to Acting Parliamentary Secretary Sherlin Hall yesterday he said that officers were at that time tying up loose ends to ensure that the 173,500 persons registered to vote experienced no set backs.

While the official advanced poll numbers last week revealed that less than 50 per cent of those voters turned out, Mr Hall said they were hoping to see more of the electorate turn up at the 500 stations throughout the country. The polls open at 8am and will close at 6pm.

And depending on how rapidly officials receive the boxes from various stations, Mr Hall said unofficial results should be in by 10pm.

“We are prepared,” Mr Hall said, “at the stations in all 38 of our constituencies.  

“We trust to see a higher turnout than what appeared during the advanced referendum poll especially with all the hype. We hope that people are excited and pumped to come out.”

He further explained some of the precautions that officials have taken to ensure that no voter fraud takes place.

“Each polling station will have a counter foil with a photograph of the voter so if someone comes with a false drivers license we will pull the persons photo and match it against the person standing before the presiding officer.

“Anyone found guilty will be arrested.”

And for those persons not certain of their polling station, Mr Hall said two registrar officials will be available at an information desk to assist and direct persons of where they are to go. He also urged Bahamians to bring their passports as a second option if they cannot find their voters cards.

The official tally of all votes is expected on Tuesday.