Frequently Asked Questions - Jamaica
1. Who is eligible to vote?
A citizen of Jamaica, who is 18 years of age or older and is currently living in Jamaica, or for at least six months prior to registration date. A Commonwealth citizen, 18 years of age or older, who has resided legally in Jamaica for at least twelve months prior to the date of registration.
2. Why do you take fingerprints?
Fingerprints (4 rolled and 10 flat) are necessary because they offer a very good means of making sure that your name appears on the voters list only once. This will also protect your right to vote on Election Day.
3. Do you keep the information confidential at the EOJ?
Your fingerprint information can only be used for elections. Some of your information (name address and occupation) is part of the public record as the law requires that the voter list be left at a public place such as your local Post Office so that it can be examined.
4. If I am enumerated can I request that my name be taken off the voters list?
There is no facility for the voluntary removal of your name from the voters list.
5. Why do we need a birth certificate or proof of age for young persons who want to be registered?
We have found it necessary to ask for evidence of age and demographic information because of the confusion that often arises when persons give incorrect information. We would like to continue to have a voters list which is above world-class standard and as such any new information which we put in should, as far as possible, be accurate.
5. Why do we need a birth certificate or proof of age for young persons who want to be registered?
We have found it necessary to ask for evidence of age and demographic information because of the confusion that often arises when persons give incorrect information. We would like to continue to have a voters list which is above world-class standard and as such any new information which we put in should, as far as possible, be accurate.
6. Why do you have to enumerate to get the I.D.?
The very valuable, high quality I.D that you get when you enumerate is really part of a process of securing your right to vote. If you decide to exercise this right on, Election Day then you will need to present the I.D. upon request. We are proud of the fact that the Voters I.D. is nationally (in some cases internationally) accepted and we are pleased to present it to you when you enumerate.
7. How long after registration, does it take to get your ID?
Depending on when you are registered, you should get your I.D. in 4-6 months.
8. Can someone else collect my ID?
No one else can collect your voters I.D., not even with a signed note.
9. Why do you have to pay for a replacement I.D. when it was lost especially since the first one was free?
The money you pay for the replacement of your I.D. is purely a matter of cost recovery. You are urged to keep your I.D. safe and be careful when you need to use it.
10. Why is residence verification necessary?
Residence verification is a vital part of ensuring that our voters list remains at a high standard. It helps to lessen the possibility of duplicate registration and other errors that may prove difficult to correct at a later stage.