Tuesday, 30th June 2020 — Yesterday was a history-making day. Anguillians across the island went to polling stations. For the first time, I stood in line to vote, waiting from early morn with family, friends and candidates. It was a bright, sunny day with cool tropical breezes.
Some confusion arose regarding where individuals were to go. Like myself, several persons changed polling positions because we were misdirected. As I stood in what I thought was Station 1’s line, someone nearby read the sign indicating it was Station 2. I hadn’t noticed any signs upon my arrival, so I asked a police officer on duty where the correct station was located and was accompanied to the proper place. I was determined to vote and didn’t mind the extra wait.
Voting processes were easeful with the new voter’s registration cards. When I stepped into the classroom, saying, “good morning” to the Election Officials and Candidates’ agents, I presented my card. An official checked my name on a computer. A second official called out my full name. Agents manually marked their papers. I was instructed on marking the ballot, either shading or marking an X in the oval next to the candidates’ name, and told the maximum number of candidates I could vote for. Then, I was directed to the wooden, blue and white clothed, voting booths. I entered and proceeded to mark my ballot for five candidate whom I had selected – shading one oval on the left the for District candidates and four ovals on the right for island wide At-Large candidates. When I finished, I went to a third official who explained about putting my ballot face down into an electronic ballot-counting machine. Following my insertion, I read a message, “Thank you for voting.” Before exiting the classroom, I deposited the manila envelope, in which the ballot had been placed, into a blue bin.
It was exciting voting for candidates whom I know and actually going to a polling station – it has been years since I did that. In Seattle, Washington, where I vote as an American citizen, most candidates are personally unknown to voters and voting is by absentee ballots, mailed weeks in advance to voters, and returned by mail or dropped off at ballot boxes placed throughout the city. A voter retains the ballot’s bottom strip to track online delivery of the ballot to the Election Office. I’ve really missed participating in the ritual of voting with Mum and Dad at John Rogers Elementary School polls.
Viewing the electronic ballot counting aired last night on the world-wide web brought excitement. This was Anguilla’s first time utilising such modern technology and witnessing ballots tallied by candidates, districts and polling stations. It was a new experience. The APM won most seats whilst the AUF incumbent government, maintained Districts 2, 3 and 7. Votes in these three districts were contested, prompting a re-count to verify accuracy.
With nine women and eight independent candidates nominated, surprisingly voters didn’t select more persons in these two categories. A few young adults were chosen who won seats. Anguilla’s politics still traditionally involve men, representing two political parties. The majority of Anguillian voters seem to presume politics is male gender-based roles. Are we not open-minded to veer away from traditions? Do we prefer charismatic personalities or fear choosing the untested? We need to be ready for females to rule in government, to embrace free-thinking persons because the feminine energy is rising and citizens are empowered.
Not all of our chosen candidates won, but the people have voted. Ballots cast indicate things are changing or as APM’s slogan states, “Change Can’t Wait”. Hopefully, we’re ushering in a new era where the APM, AUF and Independents work harmoniously together.
Whether the candidates whom we supported won or not, let’s pray this newly formed government will benefit all a’ we in Anguilla. Everyone must work together to create collaborative partnerships for progressing our nation-building. We have to develop a brighter future for the young, middle and older generations. If we wish to evolve as a community of compassionate humans, we have to achieve higher levels of consciousness.
With expressions of gratitude to those who served in government, and congratulations to every candidate who’s newly elected, along with well wishes to everyone who joined Anguilla’s political campaigning trail, I proclaim we on Anguilla are a blessed people – resilient in the midst of a global shifting.
Kay M Ferguson is a conscious writer, who writes under the nom de plume Empress Extraordinaire, composing words to enlighten and uplift humanity. Connect with her on social media—Facebook and LinkedIn or email anguillawriter@gmail.com.
