by Linda Straker
- Grenada adopted a new registration system in 2010
- System stamped an expiration date of 2020 on all voter registration cards
- Elector who does not replace expired voter identification card cannot be denied right to vote on Election Day
Hours before Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell announces the date for the general election, the Parliamentary Elections Office (PEO) has issued a statement informing all registered voters that a replacement card is not required to cast their ballot on election day.
“The Parliamentary Elections Office advises the public that an elector who does not replace his or her expired voter identification card cannot be denied his or her right to vote on Election Day,” said a statement issued through the Government Information Service (GIS). “The ‘right of a person to vote’ speaks to ‘if on polling day, he is qualified and registered as an elector in that constituency, and his name appears on the current list to be used for that constituency.”
The statement explained that the presentation of the voter identification card is required to verify the identity of the individual who is voting. “Therefore, electors are asked to present their voter identification cards before receiving a ballot. Any elector who holds an expired identification card with an expiry date of 31 January 2020, can present such card when requested to present his or her voter identification card,” the statement said.
Any elector who is unable to produce his or her voter identification card because one was not issued, or it was either lost or destroyed; will be required to take an oath before receiving his or her ballot.
Grenada adopted a new registration system in 2010 and that system stamped an expiration date of 2020 on all voter registration cards. Since 2020 the Parliament Elections Office has been urging registered voters to replace their cards for a new expiry of 2030.