GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – Thousands of voter cards, five constituencies, and one message from election officials – come and collect your cards.
The Parliamentary Registration Department says too many biometric voter cards remain unclaimed in Grand Bahama despite efforts to get residents through the doors.
The appeal comes as the department continues its transition to a new electoral management system launched October 13th, allowing voter cards to be produced locally.
However, consultant Cecil Thompson says since the last election, public interest has waned.
Cecil Thompson – Consultant, Parliamentary Registration Department
“Since the election passed, persons haven’t been showing that kind of interest, and I would wish on behalf of the Parliamentary Commissioner, Mr. Harrison Thompson, appeal to all registered voters on the island of Grand Bahama…”
Thompson says the department has reached out to churches, schools, and other institutions across the island, hoping to get the message to registered voters.
Cecil Thompson – Consultant, Parliamentary Registration Department
“We would’ve delivered letters, memos to every church on the island, every school on the island, asking…all the tertiary institutions on the island, asking those stakeholders to pass the principles, and to pass the word onto their stakeholders to come to parliamentary.”
However, before heading to the registration office, there’s something voters need to know.
IT Database Supervisor Keithtarror Munroe says some biometric records may require corrections, and residents should come prepared with identification to avoid another trip.
Keithtarror Munroe – Supervisor, IT Database, PRD
“Now, in some instances, we had some persons [whose] biometrical transfer were unsuccessful due to security and safety procedures. So we also advised the public, when you do present yourself for pickup, to travel with your passport, to travel with your NIB in the event that we have to do some correction at that time.”
