General Elections in Jamaica

Voting in a government election is a fundamental human right of citizens granted under the Representation of the People Act (ROPA), 1944. In Jamaica General or Parliamentary Elections are constitutionally due every five (5) years. For electoral purposes, the country is divided into 63 constituencies for which voters elect Members of Parliament to represent them in the House of Representatives

To cast votes, electors must ensure that they are clear about what to do before, during and after the election process.

Before Election Day

Persons must first be registered with the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) and ensure that their names are on the voters’ list. Voters also need to know the polling station to which they are registered. This information can be verified by:

• Visiting the ‘Query the Voters’ List’ portal on the EOJ’s website
• Visiting or calling the nearest EOJ Constituency Office
• Calling the toll-free helpline at 1-888-991-VOTE (8683)

On Election Day

Voters should go to the polling station with their Voter’s ID card (issued by the EOJ).
If an elector does not have a Voter’s ID card, voting will be allowed once his/her name appears on the voters’ list, and their identity is confirmed after answering a series of questions posed by the assigned Presiding Officer. Those who are physically challenged or incapacitated are allowed to take someone to assist.

Time off to Vote

Employees are allowed up to three hours during the workday to cast their votes, in addition to their lunch hour. All employers should grant employees time off from work to vote without penalties as outlined in the Representation of the People (Leave and Symbols) Regulations, 1944. These provisions, however, do not apply to persons who commence work on Election Day at or after 10:00 a.m. or conclude work before or at 2:00 p.m.

After Voting

The voting process is complete once electors have witnessed their ballot being placed into the ballot box. Voters should leave the vicinity peacefully thereafter.

For additional information contact:
Electoral Office of Jamaica
43 Duke Street
Kingston
Telephone: 876-922-0425-9
Toll-Free: 1-888-991-VOTE (8683)
Website: https://ecj.com.jm/
X: @ecjamaica
Instagram & Facebook: Electoral Office of Jamaica