As part of the continuing process of updating the Register of Electors, a call is going out for all registered electors whose registered addresses have been changed to complete the Change of Residence Forms and submit them to the Electoral Department.
The call is also aimed at qualified persons who have not yet been photographed for a Barbados Identification Card and/or who have not yet applied to be registered as an elector, to make the appropriate application.
In accordance with Section 7(1) of the Representation of the People Act Cap.12 of the Laws of Barbados, a person is qualified to be registered as an elector for a constituency if he or she is: a citizen of Barbados; a Commonwealth citizen (other than a citizen of Barbados) who has resided here for a period of at least three (3) years immediately before the qualifying date and is 18 years and over; and has resided in that constituency for a period of at least three (3) months before the qualifying date – the date of making application to be registered as an elector.
The Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) has requested that all persons who meet the criteria outlined above and have not applied to be an elector, apply as soon as possible.
First time registrants, must produce the original and one copy of each of their documents and complete the Application for Registration as an Elector Form (Form 1).
Documents to be presented in support of the individual’s date of birth and place of birth include: birth certificate or a valid passport; Registrar’s Certificate (for a change of name done under the Change of Name Act); Marriage Certificate; Registered Deed Poll; Decree Absolut; Sworn Affidavit; and Adopted Persons Certificate.
Commonwealth citizens (other than a citizen of Barbados), who have satisfied the three-year residency requirement and are registering as an elector, must present the original and one copy of the applicable documents to verify their name, place of birth and date of birth as well as document(s) in support of residential status, including the letter, issued and one of the following:
- Citizenship Document
- Permanent Resident Certificate
- Immigrant Status Certificate
- CARICOM Skilled Graduate Status Certificate
- Work Permit Certificate
- Student Visa Entry Permit
- Right to Establishment Entry Permit
- Special Entry Permit
- Stamp in passport indicating spouse of long-term work permit holder
- Stamp in passport indicating spouse of CARICOM Skilled Graduate
- Reside and Work Certificate
Forms are available on the Electoral and Boundaries Commission – Electoral Department’s website. Information to assist with applying for the Barbados Identification Card, a Change of Address and the Application for Registration as an Elector, may be obtained from the Electoral Department, First Floor Warrens Towers II, Warrens, St. Michael, Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
For further information, the Department may be reached at telephone number 535-4800.