FDM Youth Democratic Leader and OBA Shadow Minister of Tourism, Culture and Transport
The Free Democratic Movement’s Youth Democratic Leader, Jahdia Spencer, is no stranger to politics. The London-based Bermudian currently serves as UK Councillor of West Thamesmead Ward in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, elected in a December 2024 by-election in favour of Britain’s Labour Party.
In the lead up to Bermuda’s February 2025 General Election, she was one of many young voices lamenting the inability for Bermudians to cast their ballot from abroad. This month she revisited the issue, releasing an op-ed calling for government to be more detailed and transparent with their plans to implement a mechanism to enable absentee voting.
Dwayne Robinson, the opposition One Bermuda Alliance’s Shadow Minister of Tourism, Culture and Transport is also a vocal advocate for absentee voting—joining Miss Spencer, Bermuda Youth Connect, and Future Leaders in Bermuda in their stance on the matter. Diallo Rabain, Minister of the Cabinet & Digital Innovation said that the country can expect related draft legislation to be unveiled by September 2026.
Speaking exclusively to Bermuda Broadcasting, Miss Spencer and Mr. Robinson reiterated their position, calling on the Progressive Labor Party-led government to be more detailed with roadmap towards Bermudians being able to vote from overseas.
In response, a Ministry for the Cabinet Office & Digital Innovation spokesman advised:
“As announced during the recent Budget Debate, the Ministry for the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation remains committed to introducing absentee voting for eligible students registered in the course of study, ensuing their voices are heard in Bermuda’s democratic process, and preliminary work is currently underway.”
“The objective is to have a legislative framework in place by September 2026. As work processes, additional updates, including the formation of relevant committees and timelines for stakeholder engagement, will be shared.”
“The Government recognises the importance of enabling broader participation in the democratic process and will continue working to ensure that appropriate mechanisms are introduced transparently and inclusively.”
