Large numbers register to vote as election nears
With a general election just around the corner, registration offices around the country were today doing brisk business. News 5’s Janelle Chanona, already in possession of her voting card, decided to see how the applicants were making out.
Janelle Chanona, Reporting
Belizeans lined up in numbers today…patiently waiting, carefully filling out forms and having their pictures taken; all to guarantee that they will be able to vote in what appears to be an imminent election.
One of those people was Freetown voter Ian Mariano.
Ian Mariano
“The patience is definitely wearing out because it’s a rather slow process, but it’s a very important one nonetheless. It would be counterproductive if I were to get upset and leave and then have to wait another while to come and register. So best thing I just stick it out and see what comes out of it.”
Some offices reported more than fifty people registering this morning alone. In the afternoon, employees of the Election and Boundaries Commission were working hard at the Pickstock, Fort George, Freetown and Caribbean Shores office, ram-jam with aspiring voters.
Things were slightly less hectic at the registration office for the Lake Independence, Collet and Mesopotamia divisions but they too had to accommodate a steady stream of people.
Carla Bennett, Assistant Registering Officer
“It’s only two of us here, but we’re trying our best.”
According to Assistant Registering Office Carla Bennett, bringing the proper documents with you will get you through the line faster.
Janelle Chanona
“Now if today, hopefully, isn’t the last day and people watching want to register, what do they need to bring into the office?”
Carla Bennett
“Their birth certificate, their passport, or if they are naturalized, your naturalization document, you can still get registered because registration is a continuous process.”
Janelle Chanona
“Do you have to live in the division that you register? How does that work?”
Carla Bennett
“You have to be living in the division that you want to register from for a period of two months or more.”
Janelle Chanona
“And you have to bring in a water bill or anything like that to prove you live there?”
Carla Bennett
“No you can come in without any bill, but the bill would help assist us.”
The politicians and their supporters are also out in force.
Horace Brown, Lake Independence Resident
“This is an ongoing process you know. Everyday, I bring in people everyday.”
And everyday that Belizeans can register to vote in the upcoming elections, they’ll do just that. Reporting for News 5, I’m Janelle Chanona.
