Electoral Commission of Jamaica

What documents do I need to register?

No specific documents are required for registration, but if you appear to be younger than 18 we may ask for proof of age. It’s a good idea to take your birth certificate with you.

Can I register online?

For your own security, registration must be done in person to reduce the risk of identity theft. You also need to be physically present in our office as your photograph and fingerprints must be taken at the time of registration.

Do I have to register at the office in my constituency?

It is preferred that you register at the office within your constituency. However, we will accommodate your application at the office that is most convenient for you to visit, for example near to where you work.

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 ID reflects the cost of resources to reproduce another card. You are urged to keep your ID safe and be careful when you need to use it.

Can someone else collect my ID?

To reduce the risk of identity theft, we will not deliver your ID card to anyone else other than you. It is for your own safety that we ask you to collect your ID card in person.

Why do you have to wait so long to get the I.D. after applying to be registered?

You can only receive your ID after your name has been added to the voter’s list. ID Cards are only created for persons who are on the current Voters’ List and the length of your wait time is dependent on this. The voter’s list is updated every six months on May 31 and November 30 each year. There is a two month cut off date prior to publication. Therefore, persons who register between October 1 and March 30 will receive their cards after the May 31 publication. Persons who register between April 1 and September 30 will receive their cards after the November 30 publication.

How long after registration, does it take to get your ID?

Depending on when you are registered, you should get your ID card within 4-8 months. This is dependent on the time you register and the date of publication of the voter’s list.

Why do you have to enumerate to get an ID?

As there is no national ID card, the Voters ID is used as a de facto national ID, and in some cases is internationally accepted.

However, similar to a driver’s license which indicates that you are able to drive, a voters ID indicates that you are able to vote. You must, therefore, enumerate to receive this ID card.

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.

If I am enumerated can I request that my name be taken off the voter’s list?

There is no facility for the voluntary removal of your name from the voter’s list.

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) are part of the public record as the law requires that the voter’s list be left at a public place such as your local Post Office so that it can be examined.

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 voter’s list only once. This will also protect your right to vote on Election Day.

Why is residence verification necessary?

Residence verification is a vital part of ensuring that our voter’s list remains at a very high standard. The law requires that you must vote in the constituency where you reside. Residence verification is our way of ensuring that the address given is really where you reside.