If Google Translate is to be trusted, the Spanish translation of Schoolhouse Rock! is ¡Roca de la Escuela! “Why does that matter?” you ask. Well, children, today’s lesson is on the upcoming primary elections in Honduras—happening Sunday, March 9th. Don’t worry, no singing is required.
A Quick Civics Lesson
Honduras has eight political parties with representation in the National Congress, but three dominate the political landscape:
The Liberal Party
The National Party
The Liberty and Refoundation (LIBRE) Party – currently in power
On election day, local schools double as polling sites. Why? Because schools are often the only government buildings spread throughout the country. Even in remote areas, there’s usually an elementary school within walking distance, making them the most accessible choice.
Brandy’s Election Experience
Brandy knows a thing or two about elections, thanks to his military background. In Honduras, the military oversees elections — but interestingly, service members are not allowed to vote. This rule stems from past corruption, ensuring the military remains neutral.
Before each election, the military spends a month preparing under the direction of election officials. They receive suitcases packed with all necessary election documents and transport them — by boat, plane, helicopter, horseback, or even on foot — to polling sites across the country.
Each school has an election custodian who safeguards the suitcase and its contents. On election day, the military stays on-site, ensuring security while remaining uninvolved in the actual voting process. They also receive anti-corruption training beforehand to reinforce their neutral role. Brandy also mentioned that there is a "Zero Alcohol" law for all elections. By law, all establishments that normally sell alcohol are prohibited from doing so the day before and the day of elections.
Now that Brandy has left the military, he’s allowed to vote in this election. However, his registered polling location is still in Tegucigalpa—not exactly convenient. And with teams on the ground, his schedule is already packed.
How the Election Impacts the Teams
Right now, a team from New Life is here, and this weekend, a team from Crosspoint will arrive — right in the middle of election preparations. While the election won’t disrupt everything, it does require some adjustments.
On Monday, Crosspoint will be distributing backpacks, but instead of using a school, they’ll set up at a local church. Why? Because election officials will still be packing up ballots, and votes will still be counted — by hand — at each polling site. Representatives from all parties must sign off on the final counts, making for a meticulous process.
By Tuesday, the election buzz will have died down, and Crosspoint will be able to use a school for VBS as originally planned.
How You Can Pray
Pray for a peaceful and orderly election. While it’s just the primaries, a smooth process is always a blessing.
Pray for safe travels and a fruitful time for both the departing and arriving teams.
Pray for Brandy—whether or not he manages to cast his vote this time around!
Thank you for your prayers and support as Honduras moves through this important step in the election process!
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