The experiment of allowing persons to come get their voting cards at the Administration Building (see related story) before these go to Postal Service St. Maarten (PSS) for distribution seems to have worked well enough to repeat it. For the post-Hurricane Irma election of February 2018 this was even done at community centres and other facilities in the neighbourhoods because so many had been displaced and/or lost their means of transportation.
Last time a schedule of certain voting districts on specific days was applied, but now a general approach has been chosen in late afternoon hours during the week and Saturday morning. Especially those who have reason to believe their card might not arrive by regular mail should make use of this opportunity.
Of course, PSS will do its best to deliver them, but not everybody’s real address is properly listed for whatever reason. Added to that are continued problems with proper street signage and numbering.
The Civil Registry Department said an announcement will follow when cards retuned by PSS because they proved undeliverable may still be picked up before the August 19 election. However, keep in mind this will be a matter of days, not weeks.
While voters have to return to the polls after only seven months, it’s important to maintain a decent turnout. This shows that despite some degree of perceived political instability due to more-frequent-than-usual changes in government, democracy is alive and well in the country.
So, although the electorate might be tired, exercising one’s right to choose the people’s representatives is not only a sacred right, but can be considered a civic duty.
