A.K.A. project regularises voter I.D.’s

Hundreds of Belizeans use their voter’s registration card on a daily basis as a means of identification when cashing a cheque or receiving credit, not to mention voting. Today a programme got underway to make those cards work better for their owners. Ann-Marie Williams reports.

Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting

Five thousand of the one hundred and three thousand Belizeans eligible to vote are known by another surname and carry “A.K.A.” or also known as on their voter’s I.D. This occurs through no fault of the voter or the Vital Statistical Unit. It is the parents, who are charged with the responsibility of giving the child an identity, through a name and properly registering that birth.

According to Chief Elections Officer Myrtle Palacio, government found it necessary to give people back their name via the A.K.A. project launched this morning.

Myrtle Palacio, Chief Elections Officer

“At re-registration in ’97 and ’98, there were some accommodations made to make the list all inclusive and not omit anyone. There were those persons who had birth certificates with the mother’s name and not the father’s name as they know it to be. The reason for that is that they were registered at birth by the mother, and the father was not involved. These accommodations were made at that time and so hence the A.K.A. So you have your mother’s name, like Myrtle Trapp for example A.K.A. Cacho because that’s the father’s name.”

Palacio says starting today up until November second, Belizeans living in all six districts can get their proper name on the electoral register.

Myrtle Palacio

“This is just an opportunity to give those people the chance to do so. You can do so otherwise, but this opportunity waives the fee of twenty-five dollars and fifty cents, which is the deed poll cost and the birth certificate cost. What we have to remember, and I’m asking as members of the media, because you’re partners in this as well, let people know that this amnesty is for six months starting today until November second, and it is by way of deed poll.”

So for those of you who have been registered to vote under an A.K.A. and now wish to use your legal name, you’re asked to visit any of the eleven electoral offices countrywide with proper documents to expedite the process. Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.

This process will not alter the name on your birth certificate; it will afford you the chance to use your correct name on official documents, particularly your voter’s I.D.