Bahamians in the United Kingdom joined uniformed officers and those scheduled to work at the polls in the May 7 General Elections, in participating in an advance poll held at The Bahamas High Commission in London on Monday, May 1, 2012, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.
Previously, only uniformed officers and those working at the polls were allowed to participate in the Advance Poll. This year, private citizens who are unable to vote in the General Elections were permitted to register to vote in the Advance Poll.
According to the Parliamentary Registration Department, there are 7,865 voters registered in the Advance Poll. Of that number, more than 4,000 would not have been eligible to vote in an Advance Poll previously.
Those taking the opportunity to vote in the Advance Poll include for the first time, Bahamians scheduled for medical care and others who work for The Bahamas Government abroad or students studying abroad.
Overseas registered Bahamian voters may vote in Washington, D.C Miami, Florida; New York City, New York; Atlanta, Georgia; Ottawa, Canada; London, England; Kingston, Jamaica; Bridgetown, Barbados, and Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
Voters registered overseas on the early ballot must vote May 1. Should they fail to do so, they would bee eligible to vote on May 7.