Members of the public are reminded that whilst “educating” is a lawful means commonly used to encourage people to vote on Polling Day, activities that encourage corruption and constitute election offences are not permissible and are not tolerated as part of the Referendum process.  The Cayman Islands has always been considered to be a law abiding jurisdiction and the fact that a Referendum is around the corner is no exception.

Persons who may be deemed liable for committing election offences are members of the public who give or receive “gifts” in exchange for votes.

Members of the public, in particular are urged to refrain from receiving any “gifts” such as money, food, or any other items in exchange for a promise to vote or refrain from voting for a particular answer as such individuals may be committing an election offence and may be liable to prosecution.

Persons who have been convicted before a magistrate for committing acts of bribery, treating or undue influence under the Elections Law (2009 Revision) may be liable to a fine of two thousand dollars or to twelve months imprisonment.

Such persons upon conviction shall also for a period of five years from the date of conviction be barred from:

(a)     being registered as an elector or voting at any election, referendum or by-election; or

(b)     being elected a member of the Assembly, or if elected before his conviction, of retaining his seat as a member.

Location of polling stations:

The votes cast in the referendum will be counted on the 18th day of July 2012 at seven (7) o’clock in the afternoon in the following counting stations established in the electoral districts, that is to say –

Location of counting stations:

followed by certifying the total of the ballot papers and the respective answers relating to the referendum at the Family Life Centre located at 49B Academy Way, George Town, Grand Cayman, of which all persons are hereby required to take notice and govern themselves accordingly.

You can seek help:

The Elections Office has issued a reminder that it has officers stationed at each polling station to answer voters’ questions about the voting process.

Deputy Supervisor of Elections Colford Scott said persons needing assistance should proceed to the Elections Office tents, normally located at the entrance of polling stations.

Workers are clearly identified by official picture IDs issued by the Elections Office, and white polo shirts marked “Elections Office Elections Officer” or “Elections Office Referendum”, surrounding the Cayman Islands crest.

Mr Scott said that Elections Office workers have been given an official register of electors and their respective polling divisions and are equipped to guide voters on where to vote and other voting-related issues.

Liquor Sales Restricted on Wednesday

 The Liquor Licensing Office is reminding all liquor licence holders that during the taking of the Referendum polls on Wednesday, 18 July between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., no intoxicating liquor shall be sold, offered for sale or given away at any premises situated in any electoral district in which a referendum is being held, to which a licence issued under the Liquor Licensing Law (2000 Revision) applies.

This restriction applies to retail as well as wholesale establishments and hotels as well as bars and restaurants for the period as mentioned above. The restriction extends to one hour after the close of the polls.

West Bay traffic changes due to Referendum

West Bay residents are advised that, on the morning of the national referendum (Wednesday 18 July), Willie Farrington Drive will be closed to incoming traffic from West Bay Road.
From 6:00a.m. onwards, drivers entering the Mount Pleasant/Batabano area should instead use Church Street to reach their destinations.
However, for motorists leaving the Mount Pleasant area through Willie Farrington Drive to West Bay Road, the lane will remain open for outgoing one-way traffic. In addition, persons accessing Willie Farrington Drive from Elizabeth Street will also be able to turn right, to go onto West Bay Road.
This temporary access restriction is to accommodate a polling station at the corner of Willie Farrington Drive and West Bay Road, and will be lifted by 7:00pm.m on Wednesday, 18 July 2012.