Young Bermudians have been invited to take part in a town hall meeting to discuss electoral reform next week.

Diallo Rabain, the Minister of the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, said the meeting at CedarBridge Academy is intended to help the Government garner feedback on issues including absentee ballots.

Mr Rabain said: “Democracy works best when everyone has a voice, and that includes our young people. This town hall is about listening to their experiences, ideas, and ensuring that Bermuda’s electoral system works for the next generation.

“I encourage young Bermudians, especially students, to join us, share their perspectives, and help shape a system that is fair, accessible, and reflective of the people it serves.”

The governing Progressive Labour Party came under heavy criticism during the February General Election from overseas students who were unable to return to the island to vote.

The Government also turned back an attempt by the Opposition One Bermuda Alliance on Friday to debate a private members’ bill enabling absentee ballots on the basis it was a money bill.

It had previously urged the OBA to collaborate with it on more wide-ranging electoral reforms.

A government spokesman said that the Youth Electoral Reform Town Hall was organised as a part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise the island’s electoral system.

The spokesman added: “The discussion is particularly relevant for young voters who faced barriers to participation in recent elections, including Bermudian students studying overseas.

“A strong democracy depends on the participation of every generation. This forum provides our youth an opportunity to share their experiences, voice their ideas, and contribute to reforms that reflect the realities of today’s voters.”

Elements to be discussed include the introduction of absentee voting for eligible Bermudian students overseas, establishing standards for political parties and campaign financing, setting rules for polling day administration, modernising electoral systems and ensuring the voters’ register is accurate, private and transparent.

The town hall will include a brief presentation followed by a moderated discussion, allowing attendees to ask questions and contribute directly to the conversation.

The event will be held between 6pm and 8pm in the Kalmar Richards Room at CedarBridge Academy.

Members of the public who cannot attend the event in person can register to join online.

Mr Rabain told the House of Assembly on Friday that there would be at least five more town hall planned across the island in January and two more hybrid-virtual sessions with overseas Bermudian students.

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.”