Voting is a fundamental part of every democracy in the Caribbean, United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, and throughout the world.   Through their diverse culture and contributions in education, health care, sports, and politics, Caribbean people are fast becoming an integral part of the fabric of communities outside the Caribbean.

Politics impacts your daily life, regardless of your race, religion, or national origin.  Political decisions are made with or without a citizen’s participation.  Each day, elected officials make decisions on the education system, infrastructure for transportation, development of housing, among many other issues, regardless of a citizen’s decision to vote. Caribbean people have a choice to be involved in these important decisions.  The first action in this decision-making process is registering to vote. 

Voter's Bill of Rights

Each registered voter in this state has the right to:

1. Vote and have his or her vote accurately counted.
2. Cast a vote if he or she is in line at the official closing of the polls in that county.
3. Ask for and receive assistance in voting.
4. Receive up to two replacement ballots if he or she makes a mistake prior to the ballot being cast.
5. An explanation if his or her registration is in question.
6. If his or her registration is in question, cast a provisional ballot.
7. Prove his or her identity by signing an affidavit if election officials doubt the voter’s identity.
8. Written instructions to use when voting, and, upon request, oral instructions in voting from election officers.
9. Vote free from coercion or intimidation by elections officers or any other person.
10. Vote on a voting system that is in working condition and that will allow votes to be accurately cast.

Voter's Responsibilities

Each registered voter in this state should:

1. Familiarize himself or herself with the candidates and issues.
2. Maintain with the office of the supervisor of elections a current address.
3. Know the location of his or her polling place and its hours of operation.
4. Bring proper identification to the polling station.
5. Familiarize himself or herself with the operation of the voting equipment in his or her precinct.
6. Treat precinct workers with courtesy.
7. Respect the privacy of other voters.
8. Report any problems or violations of election laws to the supervisor of elections.
9. Ask questions, if needed.
10. Make sure that his or her completed ballot is correct before leaving the polling station.