Whatever the Weather, Trinidad & Tobago Is Voting

Rainstorm. Public domain image by Pixabay. Remixed by Global Voices.

Today is election day in Trinidad and Tobago. At around lunch time heavy rainstorms began, causing flooding and raising concerns that the weather could have an adverse effect on voter turnout. Some netizens even wondered whether the weather could be put forward as a valid reason to extend voting hours.

The foul weather contributed to traffic congestion in certain areas of the country, to the point where it was announced that the Priority Bus Route, a roadway usually reserved for public transportation and emergency vehicles, would be open to privately registered cars today:

While some found themselves stranded because of the floods, others were adamant that a little rain was not going to stop them from exercising their franchise:

One Twitter user put it all in perspective for anyone who might have been considering staying home because of the weather:

Facebook user Rhoda Bharath put it more plainly:

90 minutes until the polls close.
Do not let the rain win this election.
Get out and vote!
‪#‎BeatOut2015‬

On Facebook, journalist Vernon O'Reilly Ramesar couldn't resist taking a jab at the media's coverage of the situation by posting a photograph of stormy skies with the caption:

And across the nation, reporters smiled at their originality as they scribbled…’ not even heavy rain could dampen the enthusiasm of eager voters.’

Clichéd as it may be, it seemed that the voter turnout was indeed high, bad weather or not:

It has been confirmed that the polls will remain open for an extra hour—until 7 p.m. Trinidad and Tobago time—because of the inconvenience and delays caused by the flooding and traffic.

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