Across the country, thousands of voting centres have opened since 7am today for people to cast their votes in two referendums pertaining to proposed constitutional changes around family and care. They will stay open until 10pm on Friday.
Since the starting of the year, an additional 86,000 individuals have been registered, leading to a total of approximately 3.5 million people being entitled to vote in today’s referendum.
The first referendum about ‘family’ seeks to modify article 41.1 of the Constitution. It aims to broaden State recognition of family, not just based on marital relations, but also other sustained relationships.
The ‘care’ referendum proposes the removal of article 41.2. This article acknowledges the home-based contributions of a woman to collective welfare, and dictates that the State would strive to ensure women are not forced to work outside due to economic imperatives.
A potential new article, 42B, suggests that the State will support in facilitating care provision based on familial ties.
Most people who are registered to vote would have received a voting information card mailed to their home by now. This will contain their voting number and local voting centre particulars. The card also carries an explanation on what the referendums pertain to.
When voters visit their polling station, they’re advised to carry their polling card and another identifying document such as a passport, driving license, student card, or public services card. Even if their polling card hasn’t arrived, they can vote provided they present valid identification.
At the voting station, voters will be issued a stamped ballot paper after sharing their name and address. On this paper, they will find brief instructions on how to vote, as well as details of the referendum proposal. Voters are asked to vote in approval or disapproval of the proposal by marking ‘X’ in the ‘yes’ or ‘no’ box. This paper should then be folded and placed in a secure ballot box for confidentiality.
The initial ballot will pertain to Article 41.1.1 and Article 41.3.1 of the Constitution, namely the family propositions, and will be presented on a paper of white hue. Subsequently, the 40th amendment associated with the care referendum will be on a piece of paper that is green in colour.
It’s crucial to remember for voters that taking pictures or indulging in the modern trend of “selfies” within the polling centre could potentially breach the confidentiality of the voting procedure. Furthermore, scribbling anything additional on your ballot paper could render your vote as invalid due to spoiling. Lastly, any campaigning activities must be conducted at a minimum distance of 50m from the polling venue.
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