No Political Propaganda On Polling Day

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BVI Platinum News

(PLTM) - The public is being reminded that certain items used as political propaganda are prohibited from use on Polling Day.

Advance Polling is tomorrow, February 21, while Election Day is February 25, and Supervisor of Elections, Ms. Juliette Pen is reminding persons to observe the laws in relation to polling day.

In a press release today, February 20, she reminded that according to the Elections Act, 1994, “No person shall furnish or supply any loudspeaker, bunting, ensign, banner, standard or set of colours, or any other flag to any person with intent that it shall be carried, worn or used on motor cars, trucks or other vehicles, as political propaganda on polling day.”

The Act goes on to say, “No person shall with any such intent carry, wear or use on motor cars, trucks or other vehicles, any such loudspeaker, bunting, ensign, banner, standard or set of colours, or any other flag on polling day.”

The Act also prohibits the sale and distribution of intoxicating liquor, at any premises within the electoral districts where elections are being held, at any time between the opening and the closing of the poll on polling day.

The use of cellular phones at polling stations has also been banned, and persons will be asked to lodge their devices with election officials while they vote.

As it pertains to the media, the Election Act states, “No person shall broadcast any item on polling day or any television or wireless transmitting station which would tend to promote or procure the election of any candidate of any political party.”

Employers are also reminded of their employees’ right to vote, and their obligation to allow them sufficient time to do so.

“Every employer shall on polling day, allow to every voter in his employ a reasonable period for voting, and no employer shall make any deduction from the pay or other remuneration of any such voter or impose upon or exact from him any penalty by reason of his absence during such period,” the Act states.

It goes on to say, “Any employer who, directly or indirectly, refuses, or by intimidation, undue influence, or in any other way, interferes with the granting to any voter in his employ, of such period for voting, as in this section provided, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine of five hundred dollars and to imprisonment for six months.”

Voters are reminded to walk with the voter registration card or other Government issued identification such as a passport, driver’s licence or Belonger Card to the polls.

“In the event that they do not have one, they will not be deterred from voting,” the release stated.

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