Register To Vote
The Office of the Supervisor of Elections is reminding and encouraging eligible Belongers to register to vote or update their registration if they have moved, ahead of any forthcoming elections (BVI Government). The notice explains who qualifies, what identification and proof of residence are required, where to get forms, and provides multiple contact and booking options including in-person appointments, an online booking system, and new government contact channels.
The Office of the Supervisor of Elections is reminding and encouraging eligible residents to register to vote or to update their registration if they have moved, the BVI Government said in a recent notice. Residents are urged to check and confirm their registration well in advance of any forthcoming elections so they can take part and have their voices heard.
To qualify to register, a person must be a Belonger under section (2)(2) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, be at least 18 years old and be domiciled in the Virgin Islands (BVI Government). When applying to register, applicants must present one of the following identity documents: a Virgin Islands Passport with embossed seal, a Belonger Card, or a Belonger Certificate.
A Naturalisation Certificate is also acceptable provided it is dated before 15 June 2007. The Elections Act (Revised Laws of the Virgin Islands, 2013) also makes provision for voters who move within the Territory. Section 17(1) states that a registered voter who ordinarily resides in the Virgin Islands and moves from one local electoral district or polling division to another may have their name transferred to the list for the new district or polling division if they apply on Form No. 9 and establish proof of residence to the satisfaction of the Supervisor of Elections.
Those who have moved are encouraged to apply for a transfer. Acceptable proofs of residence when applying for a transfer include cable, water, electricity or telephone bills, a rent receipt or lease agreement, or a notarised document stating the new address (BVI Government). Applicants should be prepared to show such documents when submitting Form No. 9.
Registration and transfer forms are available in person at the Office of the Supervisor of Elections in Road Town, the Road Town Post Office, and at the District Offices on Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. Forms can also be downloaded from the Government website under the Services tab at http://www.bvi.gov.vg/departments/office-supervisor-elections (BVI Government).
Residents who prefer in-person assistance are encouraged to make an appointment. Appointments may be arranged by calling the Public Service Customer Service Care Centre at 1-284-468-3701 or by booking online at https://bvips.org. The government also promotes a virtual booking system and additional contact channels — Government phone 1 (284) 468-3701 and WhatsApp 1 (284) 468-9760 — to make it easier for residents to access services (BVI Government).
For direct enquiries about voter registration, contact the Office of the Supervisor of Elections at 284-468-4380 or 284-468-3701 ext. 4380 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The office is located at Creque’s Building, #216 Upper Main Street, Road Town, Tortola. For communications or media enquiries contact Mr.
Adams, Communications Officer I, Office of the Deputy Governor, at eadams@gov.vg; international media enquiries can be directed to BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com (BVI Government).
Primary source: BVI Government