The register of Cayman Islands electors has now reached 16,000 with only one month to go before it closes for new voters to be included ahead of the 2013 General Elections.

The deadline and cut-off point for people to register on the list is midnight on 2 January 2013.

The latest figures show that 16,317 people are now on this list representing almost a 1,000 more than the number who voted in 2009.

There are three more additional seats available in the Legislative Assembly – 2 extra in George Town and one extra in Bodden Town. The premier has promised to educate us on how to deal with this change so keep watching the Government TV channel #20 on Weststar Cable for his guidance.

Kearney Gomez, the Supervisor of Elections, has urged everyone who wants to vote in the general Election and hasn’t so far registered to get it done. It is their democratic right he said.

The Elections Office will be marking its last weekend outreach for people who wish to vote, at the Market at the Grounds this Saturday and will also be present at local supermarkets for the last time. After that, people who are qualified but who have not yet registered will need to go directly to the Elections Office. The Office is at 50 Smith Road, Smith Road Professional Centre, 2nd Floor, George Town, Grand Cayman.

When applying to the Elections Office to be registered as an elector using form 4, the following original documents ( see below) are required when submitting your application to the Registering Officer for your district or to the Elections Office.

On Cayman Brac, people can register at Brac Executive Services, in West End.

The Elections Office is now able to issue election cards, which streamlines the election process, but electors’ details must be correct to get a card. Voters do not need a card to vote but it makes the process easier.

Everyone who is already registered but who has since changed their address and moved districts must inform the office before the 2nd January 2013 otherwise they could lose their right to vote.

Original documents needed for CAYMANIAN STATUS HOLDER: (Items # 1 and 4 on the Form 4 application.)

Birth Certificate

Caymanian Status Certificate /Letter

OR

Original Documents needed for CAYMANIAN BORN AND CAYMANIAN PARENT/S OR GRANDPARENT

Birth Certificate of applicant, if born in the Islands, and

Birth Certificate of one of his parents or grandparents who was born in the Islands

Items 1 and 3 on the form 4 application.

Why should you vote?

1. Casting a vote allows an individual to express a choice among candidates who wish to become government leaders. It’s up to each voter to locate available information about each candidate and to make an informed decision about how to vote. Rather than allowing potential leaders to hide weaknesses and wrong-doing from public awareness, a democratic voting process urges citizens to get involved and to share viewpoints about who should lead. Failing to register a vote is tantamount to saying you don’t care. Few people truly remain oblivious to government leadership. Most have opinions about the way things should go, and they should use the voting process to express their preferences.

2. Voting provides a medium for citizens to support the democratic structure. If a majority of citizens chose not to vote, democracy might become a thing of the past, replaced by another form of government that might prove more elitist in nature. Registering to vote means that you believe in the democratic process and will participate in it to represent your right to freedom of speech.

3. Supporting the electoral process helps to reinforce your regional government. Showing that you care with your vote tells candidates that they must be accountable to the public. It also suggests that those who introduce issues for a vote must provide adequate information to answer citizens’ questions and address their concerns rather than attempt to foist a half-baked idea onto the general public.

4. Showing up at the poll on voting day sets a good example to others. Remember, your children observe all that you do and will learn from your example, right or wrong as it may be. Civic awareness is an important part of their training and one of the early steps on the road to maturity. Discuss the candidates with your family and make a point of mentioning your vote, or wearing the pin distributed at many polls that reads “I voted today.” Voting also sets a positive example to neighbours, friends, and family who may be uninterested in or unfamiliar with the electoral system.

5. Finally, taking time to vote reflects pride in your nation and its government. The country becomes a beacon of liberty for the rest of the world who will be watching. Let everyone know that you care enough about your homeland and its leaders to have a say in the election’s outcome. Never surrender your right to speak your mind via the vote on election day.

(From www.essortment.com/should-vote-60856.html)

For more information on the elections and voter registration, go to www.electionsoffice.ky

Please also see the article published today (29) on iNews Cayman on the History of Elections in the Cayman Islands