Student voters speak out on timing of election
An overseas student said he felt voiceless after a General Election was called for February 18 — a time when many young people will be studying abroad.
Tajer Basden was among several would-be voters who expressed opinions as they will be directly affected by the date of the poll.
Bermudian students spanning Britain, the United States and Canada have made their grievances known, speaking out through traditional and social media.
Mr Basden, an 18-year-old studying in the US, told The Royal Gazette: “We constantly hear calls to ‘come back’ and ‘give back to the island’, but the truth is, it’s difficult to fulfil that promise when we aren’t even considered in the decision-making process.
“We are the future of Bermuda, yet we lack a voice in shaping how that future unfolds, only expected to return and accept outcomes we might have influenced if given the opportunity.”
Soleil Richardson said: “It is simple — studying abroad should not mean giving up your right to be involved in elections.”
The 18-year-old, who is also studying in the US, noted: “To say that I am thoroughly disappointed in the Premier’s decision to call an election at a time when many young people are abroad studying is an understatement; to say that I’m surprised would be dishonest.”
The One Bermuda Alliance and the Progressive Labour Party have both addressed this issue in statements to the press.
The PLP said: “We recognise the frustration of students who may be unable to return home to vote.
“Unfortunately, Bermuda’s electoral laws currently do not allow for absentee voting.”
The OBA later declared that absentee voting would be introduced within the first year of it being elected to office, if it is victorious next month.
A 23-year-old master’s student in New York said: “Considering this is many of our first times being able to vote, not allowing us to exercise that right can leave one feeling underappreciated and useless in their own community.
“That’s not what we want our young people to think of themselves.”
Organisations such as Bermuda Youth Connect have committed themselves to decreasing under-representation and disenfranchisement of the island’s young people in politics.
The group was formed in 2020 in response to perceived gaps in youth engagement.
• To read the students’ comments in full, see Related Media
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