Voter registration cards are likely to be issued for the next general election, according Premier Dr. Orlando Smith (R-at large).
He told the House of Assembly this week that the identification system will prevent voters from being “disenfranchised.”
The Elections (Amendment) Act, 2017, which details the layout of the identification cards, was passed unanimously on Tuesday.
It adds to previous legislation allowing the supervisor of elections to issue cards to registered voters in the event of any election or referendum.
While debating the bill, Deputy Premier Dr. Kedrick Pickering (R-D7) said that it highlights that the VI is a “growing nation.”
“This is a procedural event that has to happen,” he said, “that when you go to vote … you have an identification card to verify who you are.”
He added, “It’s a simple issue with great significance.”
Opposition member Julian Fraser (R-D3) stressed that the bill has been around for “quite some time.”
“There is no doubt that it will make the system a little more efficient, but definitely it will not have any impact on the effectiveness of the system,” he said.
According to the amended law, voter registration cards — which have not previously been issued — must now state the holder’s height and address. The bill also requires for the date of issue and expiry date of each card to be detailed.
SEE THE AUG. 8, 2017 EDITION FOR FULL COVERAGE.
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