A proposed overhaul of voting in Bermuda is to go through a series of public meetings as the Government seeks feedback.

Diallo Rabain, the Minister of the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, said the six meetings, scheduled to take place across the island over the next three weeks, are part of the Government’s effort to modernise the electoral system.

Mr Rabain said: “These town halls are about listening. Hearing directly from the public will help guide reforms that strengthen confidence, fairness and accessibility in Bermuda’s electoral system.

“I encourage everyone to attend, ask questions and share their perspectives.”

Key areas to be discussed include the implementation of absentee voting to allow eligible Bermudians such as students to vote from overseas; establishing standards for political parties and campaign financing; ensuring the voters register remains accurate, private and transparent; setting fair rules for polling day administration; and other modernising measures.

It comes in the wake of a youth forum on the topic held last month.

Each of the town halls will start with a brief presentation, followed by a moderated discussion allowing attendees to ask questions and add to the conversation.

A government spokesman said: “These meetings form part of the Government’s efforts to modernise Bermuda’s electoral system and boost public confidence and participation in the democratic process.

“A strong democracy relies on the voices of its people, and these forums provide an opportunity for residents to share their views and learn about possible improvements to election administration.”

The first forum will be held at St David’s Primary School tomorrow, and the second takes place on Thursday at the Leopards Club.

Further meetings are scheduled to take place at Warwick Workmen’s Club on January 19, the Bermuda College on January 20, Somers Isle Lodge on January 22 and the West End Sailboat Club on January 27.

All meetings are scheduled to start at 6.30pm and conclude at 8pm.

Mr Rabain told the House of Assembly in December that there would be at series of town halls planned across the island in January, along with hybrid-virtual sessions with Bermudian students abroad.

He added: “We aim to finalise and publish the policy framework in early 2026. The drafting of legislation will follow only after that work is complete.”

The Progressive Labour Party administration came under heavy criticism last year from overseas students who were unable to return to the island to vote in the last General Election.

The Government also turned back an attempt by the opposition One Bermuda Alliance to debate a private members’ Bill intended to allow absentee ballots, on the basis that it was a money Bill.

It had previously urged the OBA to collaborate with it on more wide-ranging electoral reforms, which it hoped to put in place this year.