Election time in the DR is a very social event. As explained in this story in the DR1 Daily News today, people like to go to vote because they see old faces and meet with people they catch up with every 4 years -- the neighborhood bunch. After the election, people gather to listen to gossip about the election. I am invited to one of these parties. Actually, expect quiet on Saturday and Sunday as people enjoy the respite from all the election noise. But also note that it is a weekend before Mother's Day, so many will take advantage of the time to catch the sales at the big stores.
DR1 Daily News -- 18 May 2012:
Ban on booze wont affect all the election socializing
Stock up on alcohol for drinking on Saturday and Sunday because all day Saturday and until 9pm on Sunday, stores, restaurants/bars are banned from selling liquor. The Central Electoral Board (JCE) reminded Dominicans that Article 109 of the Electoral Law establishes the ban.
Expect friends and family to gather on Sunday evening until late Monday night to await the electoral results. Many a sancocho or barbecue is planned for friends and family to meet to await the first bulletin announced to be before 9pm. The vote closes at 6pm.
Take note that there is an important social component that encourages voters. Every four years, hundreds of voters who travel home to vote will meet up with old neighbors and friends they may not have seen in years. And politics has been so much part of Dominican life for the past months. All finally climaxes on elections day.
The JCE also reminded Dominicans that the electoral law bans the celebration of public shows or meetings of any kind 24 hours before the election. This means there will be no shows this weekend, and Sunday is a national holiday.
Dominicans get a respite from the campaign tonight, Friday 18 May at midnight. There is a ban on political campaigning all day Saturday and on elections day itself, Sunday 20 May.