Supervisor of Elections Lister Dudley Lewis is optimistic that the upcoming general elections, scheduled for February 7, 2025, will proceed efficiently and transparently.
Speaking with members of the media recently during a training session for poll workers at Beaches Turk and Caicos Resort and Spa, Lewis said he is expecting a smooth operation.
With over a decade of experience in overseeing elections, Mr. Lewis emphasized that the comprehensive training programs currently underway for returning officers, poll clerks, and other electoral staff are key to ensuring a well-organized voting process.
Comprehensive Training for Key Personnel
Training sessions for returning officers and assistant returning officers have been ongoing, focusing on equipping them with the skills necessary to manage polling stations effectively. These officers, who play a pivotal role in the elections, are responsible for overseeing the voting process in their assigned districts.
In addition to returning officers, presiding officers and poll clerks are also being trained to handle voter verification, issue ballots, and maintain order at polling stations. Training sessions are being conducted in-person across multiple islands, including North Caicos, South Caicos, and Providenciales.
“This training is crucial because returning officers are tasked with ensuring that the election process runs smoothly at every polling station,” Mr. Lewis explained. “By preparing them thoroughly, we can minimize errors and maintain public confidence in the electoral system.”
New Voting Technology: DS200 Machines
A major highlight of this year’s elections is the introduction of the DS200 voting machines, a modern solution designed to streamline the voting process and ensure accuracy. Unlike previous elections, where voters were issued two separate ballots, this year, a single ballot will combine both district and all-island candidates.
The voting process will involve shading the voter’s selected candidates on the ballot, which is then fed into the DS200 machine. The machine scans and verifies the ballot, ensuring the vote is accurately recorded. Once the ballot is processed, the vote is cast, and the machine provides immediate feedback.
“This is a new concept for our voters, but we believe they will appreciate the simplicity and efficiency of the system,” Mr. Lewis said. He added that the machines would allow results to be available within 30 minutes after polls close at 7 PM, except in cases where recounts are requested.
Preparing for Challenges
While Mr. Lewis expressed confidence in the overall readiness of the electoral staff, he acknowledged that additional precautions are being taken to address potential challenges. A contingency plan is in place to manage recounts, particularly for all-island ballots, which will involve bringing all ballot boxes and electoral officers to a centralized location in Providenciales for a manual count.
A Well-Prepared Team
The Supervisor highlighted that this year’s training sessions are more robust than those conducted in previous elections, particularly the last general election, where COVID-19 restrictions posed significant challenges.
“This time, we’ve had the opportunity to conduct in-depth, face-to-face training for all electoral officers,” Mr. Lewis said. “We are confident that this preparation will translate into a seamless voting process on election day.”
With 10 electoral districts, a team of well-trained officers, and the introduction of modern voting technology, Mr. Lewis is confident that the February 7 elections will be conducted efficiently and transparently. He encouraged all voters to familiarize themselves with the new voting procedures and assured the public that the electoral team is fully prepared to manage the polls effectively.
“Our goal is to ensure a smooth, transparent, and fair election process,” Mr. Lewis concluded.
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