Imagine you’re bedridden at Mater Dei Hospital, or residing at a care home like Dar il-Ħallouħ. It’s election day, and you’re eager to cast your vote. But how? The Superintendence of Public Health has just announced special voting arrangements to ensure no one misses out on their democratic right.

Good news for patients and residents! You won’t have to leave your facility to vote. The Superintendence, in collaboration with the Electoral Commission, will send mobile voting units to various hospitals and care homes across Malta and Gozo. These units will be equipped with ballot boxes and voting booths, ensuring a private and secure voting experience.

Here’s a sneak peek into some of the facilities that will receive these mobile units:

• Mater Dei Hospital
• St. Luke’s Hospital
• Gozo General Hospital
• Dar il-ĦallouĦ
• Dar Merħba Birkirkara
• Dar il-Ħelsien Gozo

Voting will take place on the same day as the general election, with the exact timings to be announced closer to the date. Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:

• Mobile voting units will arrive at the designated facilities.
• Patients and residents will be escorted to the mobile unit, if mobility is an issue.
• Voters will cast their vote in private, using the provided ballot papers and booths.
• The mobile unit will then proceed to the next facility.

Given the current health situation, safety measures will be in place. These include:

• Regular sanitization of mobile units.
• Provision of hand sanitizers and face masks for voters.
• Social distancing measures will be enforced.

Dr. Charmaine Gauci, Superintendent of Public Health, reassured, “We understand , and we’re committed to ensuring that everyone can exercise their democratic right safely and securely.”

So, Malta’s elderly and infirm can rest easy. Your vote matters, and this time, it’s coming to you.