Election Update: Students come ‘home’ to vote

Update via Bermuda Youth Connect press release:

It is with great pride and gratitude that Bermuda Youth Connect announces the successful and safe return of the first group of students who are #HomeToVote.

Over the past three weeks, we’ve worked alongside generous donors—who share our unwavering belief that no Bermudian Student should be denied the right to vote because they are abroad pursuing higher education.

Bermuda Youth Connect previously expressed its concern over the timing of this election.

Many of our young people are overseas, striving to better themselves through education, yet they have been excluded from the process that shapes their future—twice under the current administration.

We firmly believe that noone, especially our youth, should have to choose between their future in the classroom and their future in the ballot box.

The Bermudian spirit illuminated this path for us—just three weeks ago, this initiative seemed like a dream, but it is now a reality, thanks to the commitment of donors who made it possible for students abroad to come home and vote.

Their generosity has been a beacon of hope for us, and we are proud of what we’ve achieved together.

Yet, this is only a first step, and we hope this is the last election without absentee ballots.

Too many students have had to choose between their academic commitments and their duty to participate in shaping their future.

No one should have to choose between their education and their democracy.

The anonymous donors added, “Students given this opportunity must exercise their democratic right to vote and be prepared to hold each Government accountable in relation to the outcome.”

Additionally, “each student was not brought back to vote for any particular party or independent.

This is a democratic effort, and hopefully, this is the last election without absentee ballots.”

Thanks to the foresight and generosity of our donors, we have worked to correct a decision that otherwise would have kept too many young Bermudians from having their voices heard.

We are deeply grateful to these donors for trusting us with this vital work, and we remain committed to ensuring that the voices of our youth continue to resonate in every election to come.

This journey has reminded us of why Bermuda Youth Connect was founded in 2020—during a time of political uncertainty—to ensure that young people would not be excluded from the democratic process.

In 2020, we called for debates and demanded that our leaders take youth concerns seriously.

In 2025, once again, we find ourselves stepping up to ensure that the voices of young Bermudians, even those studying abroad, are heard.

Our mission remains unchanged: promote civic engagement to empower youth and ensure they are meaningfully engaged.

The Founders of Bermuda Youth Connect —Tierrai Tull, Halle Teart, Ajai Peets, and Veronica Swan-DeGraff—were directly responsible for logistical efforts and contacted students directly to ensure their participation in this opportunity.

Nadhiri Worrell, [a student at the University of Leicester who was brought back last night], says, “The opportunity to participate in our democracy should not be determined by outdated systems or political convenience.

This year, thanks to the dedication, organisation, and generosity of Bermuda Youth Connect and its donors, many students have been able to return home to vote.

Their unwavering commitment to a better Bermuda has not only enabled youth participation in voting but has also fostered a powerful sense of unity among young Bermudians.

This experience has connected students with like-minded individuals, reinforcing that we are not just observers of Bermuda’s future; we are active participants in shaping it.

As always, we are reminded that change doesn’t come easily but comes when we work together.

Bermuda’s future is bright, and today, it shines brighter thanks to the generous commitment to our youth from donors and all who believe in the power of participatory democracy.