While an eligible voter cannot legally be denied their right to cast their ballot on election day, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley is urging persons to be responsible by wearing masks, sanitizing and practicing social distancing.

“There may be a very good reason for someone coming to the polling station and saying, ’I can’t wear a mask because of xyz’ but nobody is going to force a mask on your face or deny you the right to vote,” Dr. Rowley said during a press briefing on Friday.

Masks will, however, be provided for the public upon their arrival to the various polling office on August 10th.

But while government may not have the authority to turn away someone for not wearing a mask, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Roshan Parasram says the Ministry of Health has a responsibility to limit the threat of virus spread- even in an election.

“After you finish your voting process the Ministry of Health has a role. If they’re willing to come to the facilities, we will do what we need to do afterwards,” he said. 

The CMO said special arrangements are also being made to allow people currently in quarantine, the opportunity to cast their ballot as special voters.