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Cannonier concerned virus could affect vote

Cause for concern: Craig Cannonier

Craig Cannonier raised concerns yesterday about how the coronavirus will affect the electorate’s ability to cast their votes.The One Bermuda Alliance leader said there was “confusion” around Covid-19 and the exercise of the franchise.He was speaking after the Parliamentary Registrar said that anyone in quarantine because of recent travel would not be allowed to attend a polling station to vote.Mr Cannonier said: “With all of the confusion over Covid, I am concerned right now about where we are.“People are not going to be able to vote if they have Covid. You’ve got people who are trying to travel home to vote and if they find themselves quarantined, they can’t vote.“This is, quite frankly, astounding.”The Parliamentary Registrar issued advice for travellers on Monday in line with guidance from the Department of Health.Anyone travelling home to vote in the October 1 General Election must follow test and quarantine regulations.Anyone without a pre-departure coronavirus test who wanted to vote at a polling station was advised to arrive back on the island no later than September 20.They must quarantine for eight days and have a negative Day 8 test to make sure that they are safe to vote.Travellers with a negative pre-departure test should make sure that they return to Bermuda no later than September 29 if they planned to vote.A government spokeswoman added: “If there is any uncertainty whether a timely pre-departure test can be obtained then voters are advised to plan to travel to arrive no later than September 20.”She said: “Voters should be aware that they will be required to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth to enter the polling station. “Voters will also be required to have their temperatures checked and to sanitise their hands before entering the polling station. “We encourage voters to co-operate with all polling station staff to allow a smooth flow of traffic in and about the polling station.”