The Electoral Office in Anguilla has used a number of graduates from the Albena Lake- Hodge Comprehensive School to encourage qualified persons to vote in the 2020 district and island-wide elections.
Commenting on the recent initiative, Supervisor of Elections, Ms. Aurjul Wilson, told The Anguillian newspaper:
“I invited the youngsters specifically because they had just graduated from High School and had just turned 18, basically qualifying them to vote and they were excited as you see from the photograph,” Ms. Wilson explained. “They all came and we tried to encourage them to become part of the political landscape because they live in Anguilla in which they should take an interest.
“With the involvement of these new persons, it brings a different light to the older politicians in terms of having a different perspective; and perhaps, with the coming on stream of the four island-wide seats, some of these young people may become interested and stand for election. Who knows? But they have to be 21 really or they might encourage some of their peers whom they see have political aspirations.”
“What message are you sending by them to the general public?” the Supervisor of Elections was asked.
“The message was to get registered to vote. You have a right and a say about how the country is running. If you are really interested, you cannot sit on the sideline and make comments without being part of the process.”
Ms. Wilson added: “My job is not to advocate what political party and what affiliation you should have with that party, but basically to encourage persons to become part of the process and to understand how democracy works.”
To date, 147 registered voters have visited the Electoral Office to update their status in terms of registration, photo identification and other requirements. So far, there have also been 34 persons who have registered as new voters.
Next week, The Anguillian will publish a detailed interview with Ms. Wilson about the continuing electoral process.
