Chairman Urges Voters to Replace ID Cards Ahead of April 30 Poll

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — The chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission is urging voters to immediately replace their voter identification cards, warning that no one will be allowed to cast a ballot without a valid ID in the April 30 general elections.

Addressing the nation, the chairman said, “If you have not yet replaced your voter’s ID card, you must do so immediately,” adding, “Let me be clear: No elector can be permitted to vote without a valid voter identification card.”

He noted that the commission has extended operating hours, increased staffing, and deployed additional resources to facilitate the replacement process, but stressed that responsibility now rests with voters to complete the requirement.

The chairman also called for orderly conduct on Election Day, emphasizing that participation must be accompanied by discipline and respect for the rule of law.

“Respect the electoral process and its rules. Respect opposing political parties and their supporters. Respect the election officials … and respect the security personnel,” he said, adding that “order, compliance and mutual respect are not optional.”

He further reminded political parties of their obligation to remove all campaign paraphernalia from polling divisions before voting begins, stating that polling stations must remain neutral and free from undue influence.

Describing elections as the “cornerstone of our democracy,” the chairman urged citizens to uphold the country’s democratic traditions by preparing to vote “responsibly, peacefully and lawfully” on April 30.