The Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) reports that there has been enthusiastic support from electors who have collected their new Voter ID card. The EOJ notes that during the first ten days of the distribution exercise, which began on October 11, over 107,000 new Voter ID cards were distributed to registered electors whose current ID cards were renewed.
The EOJ also notes that there has been a high turnout at constituency offices during the last two weeks and continues to explore new approaches to enhance the distribution process.
Director of Elections, Glasspole Brown says the EOJ has seen large numbers of electors who visit the offices daily to collect their new card. He notes the urgency to collect the electoral cards before the current one expires on December 31, 2021. Brown extended thanks to the public for their patience.
“We have tried to make the process as convenient as possible by erecting tents and placing chairs where possible and implementing priority lines for the elderly. After careful evaluation over the last few days, we are exploring further interventions to better assist our electors,” Brown said.
The EOJ also announced that starting Saturday, November 6, their offices will open on Saturdays to facilitate the collection and renewal of Voter ID cards. The offices will be open to the public from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm on Saturdays. The EOJ will also facilitate the collection of new ID cards at satellite locations in communities, beginning the week of November 22, 2021. The listing of satellite sites and the distribution schedule will be publicized.
The elderly and incapacitated are encouraged to take advantage of the at-home delivery provision. Relatives, caregivers, and friends are also encouraged to contact the EOJ constituency office on behalf of the elderly or incapacitated elector, to make an application for the new Voter ID card to be delivered to the elector at his/her home or dwelling.
The EOJ is also reminding electors that the renewal process is free and there is no cost to collect the new Voter ID card. Electors who have not yet gotten the chance to renew their cards are urged to visit any EOJ constituency office as soon as possible to complete the renewal.
