The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) is again urging citizens with expired voter ID cards to complete the replacement process, noting that fewer than half of registered voters have done so.

According to ABEC’s Public Relations Officer, Elisa Graham, only 16,000 of the country’s 40,000 registered voters have replaced their cards since the programme began on 12 August 2024.

“There’s no deadline, so people tend to wait until the last minute,” Graham said, adding that the process now takes only two to three minutes at registration units, with cards printed weekly and ready for collection within seven days.

Applicants must present their expired voter ID, a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of address, and any documents reflecting changes in marital status. The new cards feature updated photos, signatures, and fingerprint validation.

ABEC stressed that a valid voter ID is essential not only for participating in elections but also for conducting official business and transactions requiring proof of identity.