Why no voter transfers for St Mary constituents?

An open letter to Mayor Wilson

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I moved to St Mary Country Club, Prospect, St Mary, in 2015.

Since relocating, I have been unable to vote at my local polling station, Iona High School.

Before the first election after my move, I visited the Electoral Office in Oracabessa to confirm my polling station and was informed that my address had not been updated. As a result, I was required to travel to Kingston to vote. I believe this was in 2016.

Following that experience, I returned to the Electoral Office in Oracabessa to ensure there would be no repeat of the situation. However, no transfer had been completed, and I again had to travel to Kingston to vote in 2020.

Since then, I have visited the Oracabessa Electoral Office on several occasions to ensure that the transfer is processed before the next general election.

During my most recent visit, I was informed that, since 2024, there has been a directive from the local member of parliament that no voter transfers are to be processed. No reason for this directive has been communicated to me.

Voting is a constitutional right, and it appears that I am being prevented from exercising that right in my constituency.

I would appreciate it if you could look into this matter, as there may be other residents facing the same challenge.

Gracia Straun