All residents in Hamilton and St George’s are encouraged to make their voices heard in the municipal elections next month.

Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, urged everyone to make sure they are registered and come out to the ballots on May 7.

He explained: “Opportunities to have a direct say in how our city is governed should never be taken for granted.

“We should not be complacent when it comes to the right to vote. Participation is how residents and ratepayers show they value representation and want to have a say in their city’s future.”

The comments came after MPs approved legislation that would abolish elections within the municipalities of Hamilton and St George’s.

However, senators rejected the Municipalities Reform Act 2026 six to five last week.

Mr Gosling explained: “For 15 years, ever since Government first stated its intentions regarding municipalities, I have advocated for and worked to protect local democratic representation in Hamilton.”

Kim Wilkerson, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, earlier told the Upper House that only one person, Maxanne Caines, ran for the position of councillor in the most recent Hamilton by-election.

She added: “We do not need the expense and frills of a fake electoral process to get people of that kind of talent in place.”

Addressing these comments, Mr Gosling said: “Participation, whether through standing for election or voting, is itself part of [the democratic] process — we cannot force people to run, just as we cannot insist people vote.

“Choosing not to engage with the ballot box is also a decision and should be considered just as seriously as casting a vote.”

Mr Gosling concluded: “It therefore benefits every resident and ratepayer to ensure they are registered and to participate in this election.

“If people value having a say in their city, this is the moment to be involved.”

Business ratepayers interested in voting should ensure they are registered and that their nominee, who also must be listed on the Parliamentary Register, is appointed.

A registry spokeswoman said the Writ of Election has been issued, registration opened on April 1 and that all applications and updates must be completed in-person at the registry on Victoria Street before April 7.

The register will be published on April 10. Objections can be submitted from April 11 to 17 and nomination day is set for April 23.

Advance polling will take place on April 30, rest homes and special voting on May 1 and election day is on May 7.

In-person voting will take place at polling stations throughout Hamilton, with the precise locations and times to be confirmed by the Parliamentary Registry. Voters are required to present valid identification.

Visit elections.gov.bm or contact 293-vote (9683) for information on registration and voting procedures.