Referendum Topics
Cannabis Decriminalisation
On 30 April 2025, alongside the General Elections, voters will have the opportunity to express their views on decriminalising small amounts of cannabis in the Cayman Islands. Understand the issue so you can make an informed decision. Explore Related Articles and Information Key Terms Decriminalisation: Removing criminal penalties for possession of small amounts, but cannabis remains illegal. Legalisation:...
Cruise Berthing Infrastructure
On 30 April 2025, alongside the General Elections, voters will have the opportunity to express their views on the development of a cruise berthing facility in the Cayman Islands. Understand the issue so you can make an informed decision. Explore Related Articles and Information Key Terms Cruise Berthing: A dock or pier where cruise ships can park directly, allowing passengers to disembark without small boats (tenders). ...
National Lottery
On 30 April 2025, alongside the General Elections, voters will have the opportunity to express their views on the creation of a government-run national lottery in the Cayman Islands. Understand the issue so you can make an informed decision. Explore Related Articles and Information Key Terms Gambling: Risking money or valuables on a game of chance for potential winnings. National Lottery: A...
What is a referendum?
Missed the panel discussion?
Watch the full referendum conversation on YouTube to hear diverse perspectives on cruise berthing, cannabis decriminalisation, and the national lottery. Be informed before you vote!
Unsure what a non-binding referendum means?
This article explains what makes the 2025 referendum in the Cayman Islands unique—highlighting that it is non-binding, government-initiated, and designed to gather public input on three key national issues, without creating a legal obligation to act on the results.
Does my vote still matter if the referendum is non-binding?
This article explains why voting in the upcoming non-binding referendum still matters—emphasising that while the results won't directly change laws, they provide valuable insight that can influence future government decisions.
→ Read: Why Your Vote Still Matters
What do I need to know to vote?
This article provides a clear, step-by-step guide for registered voters in the Cayman Islands ahead of the 2025 General Elections and Referendum on 30 April. It outlines what to bring, how to vote, and important rules to follow at the polls to ensure your vote is counted.
A referendum is a public vote on a specific issue. Registered voters can answer 'Yes' or 'No' to the questions on the ballot paper.
- Binding vs. Non-Binding: This referendum will show public opinion, but the government will decide whether to act on the results.
- Elector: A person who is eligible to vote in the Cayman Islands.
- Polling Station: The place where you go to vote.
Voting in the Referendum
Before voting, ensure you are registered—only registered voters can take part.
Key reminders:
- You can only vote once, and only at your assigned polling station
- Your vote is secret—no one will know how you voted
- If you make a mistake, return the ballot to the Presiding Officer and request a replacement
- Spoiled ballots will not be counted
Guidance for Electors
Each elector will receive one ballot paper, which includes:
- The names of the candidates for their constituency at the top of the ballot
- Three referendum questions at the bottom section
Voting for a Candidate
- An elector may vote for only one candidate
- To vote for a candidate, place an X in the box located to the right of the name of the candidate you choose
- If more than one candidate is marked, your vote for that section will not be counted
Voting on the Referendum
- For the referendum, an elector may vote once only on each question
- To vote, place an X in the box next to either "Yes" or "No" for each question
- If both "Yes" and "No" are marked for the same question, that vote will not be counted for that question
- If the ballot paper is marked in a way that could identify the elector, it will be rejected in its entirety
Submitting Your Ballot
- After voting, fold your ballot and return it to the Presiding Officer
- The Presiding Officer will, in full view of those present (including the elector):
- Remove the counterfoil at the top of the ballot paper
- Return the folded ballot paper to the elector
- The elector will then place the ballot paper into the ballot box
- If the elector is unable to do so due to a physical or other disability, the Presiding Officer will do so on their behalf
Other Rules
- If an elector inadvertently spoils the ballot paper, they may request a replacement by returning the spoilt one to the Presiding Officer
- A person given a ballot paper must not remove it from the polling station
- After voting, the elector must promptly leave the polling station
What you need to know
On referendum day, you will be asked to vote on three important national issues:
- Should the Cayman Islands develop cruise berthing infrastructure?
- Do you support the decriminalisation of the consumption and possession of small amounts of cannabis?
- Do you support the introduction of a National Lottery in the Islands?
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Remember, this referendum allows you to have your say on issues that could affect the future of the Cayman Islands. Whether you vote 'Yes' or 'No', your voice matters.