Parliament is seeking legal advice from Solicitor General, Michael Hylton, to determine whether a homeless person has the right to vote.

The decision was taken after Member of Parliament for Central Clarendon, Mike Henry, told the House of Representatives on Tuesday that he was concerned that homeless persons were being disenfranchised.

Mr. Henry's comments stirred a lively exchange between members on both sides of the political divide during the question and answer session at Gordon House.

Dr. Peter Phillips, Leader of Government Business in the House and Minister with responsibility for electoral matters, told his colleagues that the homeless could not exercise their franchise because they did not satisfy a specific requirement in the Representation of the People Act.

According to Dr. Phillips, under the Representation of the People Act, persons are eligible to vote if they are resident in a polling division.

However, Mr. Henry contended that the constitutional rights of the homeless are being breached because they are resident in Jamaica and as such should be allowed to vote.

Should homeless people have the right to vote? Please send your responses to editor@gleanerjm.com.