ORG’s Pathway to the Polls Promotes Voter Education

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – The Organization for Responsible Governance is ramping up its election education campaign, as the country inches closer to a general election.

Senior Outreach Manager, Ari Wells told us about their pathway to the polls initiative, that’s aimed at educating Bahamians and helping them make informed decisions when they head to the ballot box.

Ari Wells – Senior Outreach Manager, Organization for Responsible Governance

“Our pathway to the polls initiative is a voter education initiative and of course its super relevant with everything that’s happening right now because we’re expected to go into the election in the next couple of weeks so what we’ve been doing with pathway to the polls is partnering with other organizations we’ve partnered with over 10 organizations so far and we’re looking for more.” 

Wells has partnered with more than 10 groups, ncluding the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, making it easier to host panel discussions with political party representatives.

She said that these forums give the public a chance to hear answers to the questions that matter most, helping them better prepare for election day.

However, Wells noted that the absence of a fixed election date has created uncertainty, with many Bahamians rushing to register, leading to long lines and frustration.

She still he urged persons not to be discouraged and to continue the registration process.

Ari Wells – Senior Outreach Manager, Organization for Responsible Governance

“The problem is that with the shorten timeline people are now in a hurry or a frenzy to now go and get registered and so now there is this commotion, you know the frenzy of people going and the system is overburdened or at capacity it’s difficult for people to get registered. There’s long lines and that’s also going to contribute to people being able to get registered and it’s gonna contribute to who actually goes they hear about the difficulties that others are having. Why would you also go and put yourself in that position, I understand where people are coming from so I want to remind people that regardless decisions will be made with or without you.”

Despite the challenges, Wells said that the initiative is a long-term effort.

She stressed that building trust in governance and informing citizens will take time.