I’m Registered in San Pedro: Voting in Belize
Belizean citizens are entitled to vote in elections when they turn 18 – and guess what? I am now a citizen of Belize (and well over that age requirement).
I am excited to vote in this town, San Pedro, and in this country. It’s my home.
But the actual voting process is new to me. So I thought I’d take you along for the process.
Note: As crowded as this town can sometimes seem, there were only 5,526 votes in the 2021 local elections – my vote will count! Here is the very active Election Day in 2021.
Also: Citizens of commonwealth nations – Malaysia, Canada, UK, et al – who have resided in Belize for at least 12 months are also eligible. Note: There has been quite a bit of talk with the current administration about leaving the Commonwealth – I assume that means that this rule will be removed? A referendum is needed. Stayed tuned.
Yesterday I registered to VOTE in Belize. And it was easy. So let me tell you how I did it and a bit about the Belize government and voting system.
Important! There is a time limit if you want to vote in next March’s municipal election. Here they are:
- If you are transferring (from another district in Belize) – the deadline for transfer is August 31, 2023. THIS MONTH! Here are the official rules.
- If you are registering for the first time, you have until January 10, 2024.
But first, a few facts and frequently asked questions about the Belize System.
A Few Government and Elections FAQs
- There are 2 main parties in Belize, PUP and UDP: Peoples’ United Party (Blue) and United Democrat Party (Red)
- There is no president of Belize, there is a Prime Minister. There are 6 districtshttps://www.sanpedroscoop.com/belize-map split into 31 constituencies (for the last election). At the national level, each constituency votes for an Area Representative. The party that has the most Area Representatives gains the PM role as well. (For more detailed info)
- Like the British system, National elections must be called and can be held at any time of year. Town and city elections are scheduled for the first Wed in March of every third year (2024 is the next local/town election)
- Every five years or so, the national elections are announced by the PM. And requires only a minimum of just one month of campaigning time. (US Citizens…doesn’t that sound delightful?) The timing is carefully strategized. Does the other party seem disorganized? Has there just been a huge scandal on their side? Has your party done something popular? Might be a good time to call elections.
- You’ll know when it’s election month – t-shirts, booths, golf carts full of campaigners in red or blue, songs, rallies, events, cheap beer…it’s on.
- The winner is in and the loser is out. Immediately. Unlike the US system where there is a pass-over/transition period (peaceful we hope) – in Belize, the winner is in the next day. And the parading ensues (in “normal” years)
- Election Day is a national holiday. And there is no alcohol served or sold this day. At least until the votes are counted.
How I Registered to Vote in San Pedro
Last week I was sworn in as a citizen of Belize and my #1 priority was to register to vote. Here are all the official requirements to register.
There are quite a few voter registration offices throughout the country. In San Pedro, our Office of Elections and Boundaries is located on Middle Street – behind the Post Office in the big yellow building. (Fun-ish fact, there is a pool on top of that building!)
It’s a surprisingly large office filled with 4 or 5 employees, lots of papers, binders and maps. The Elections and Boundaries Office. There is also a bound book of registered voters in San Pedro that you can look through if you like…but it can not be removed from the office.
I gave them my required ID. My brand new Belizean Nationality Certificate…which I am keeping carefully tucked in a plastic envelope until I apply for my Belize passport.
I had my picture taken, and I was asked a few questions – my residence, profession, if I have a neighbor who can vouch for me, what the house looks like, if am I married…
From walking in the door to getting my receipt, it was about 25 minutes. And I can check in about my Voter ID card in one month, September 8th.
I am excited. And, like so many others, I want my vote to be counted next March.
Next year I’ll have my first purple finger! (This proves that you voted)
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Wow, you have to show your ID and get the purple finger to prove you voted? What a concept. In the US we apparently are more “enlightened”. Here, no one checks if you are eligible and no one really knows if you voted or not. That way, those in power can “find” the votes they need to win.
I haven’t voted in US but most states do require an ID. And then others check signatures…not sure why it’s state by state thing but the US…not sure enlightened is the right word 🙂
It is a left over icon of when a state had self government instead of federal oversight. That is to say when we were still United States.
I believe most states didn’t require ID until recently. Even now about 15 don’t. My delusional state of California doesn’t. I’m single but receive several absentee voting ballots each election. Seems like I could vote multiple times by just writing a different name on each mail in ballot, or even showing up in person and telling the poll worker, “I’m Bob Smith”…
True, no one knows if you voted or not, in some states. Or how many times.
“I see dead people” vote!
Not lol…
True, no one knows if you voted or not, in some states. Or how many times.
Plus, “I see dead people” vote!
Not lol…
It is interesting that they ask these questions, “if I have a neighbor who can vouch for me, what the house looks like, if I am married…” Why would a neighbor need to vouch for you? Why do they ask what your house looks like? Do they ask if you’re single, widowed or married? Or is it specifically ‘are you married’? I’m trying to wrap my head around the questions. :o)
I imagine they are going to come see if I really live on the island…and since my address is just “8 miles north” – they need some detail. I don’t have any utilities in my name…married I’m not sure…
Married is still the the norm for male dominated society like the UK and vassal states. Obviously a woman has to have a man that will protect her from wanton ravaging by other men and marriage kind of defines that arrangement. Unless you live in the US; then god knows what that would mean.
You’re right: In California I feel emasculated because I can no longer dominate and protect ‘My’ woman. Unless she asks for it! But that’s something entirely different, lol.
And now, no one will even answer the important question:
“What Is A Woman?”
Hi… Good or bad (and I would likely be ‘Blue’) I think it should be corrected to be fair. It is the United Democratic Party (Red)
Thanks for reminding me to register to vote!
Congrats! You can make a difference by voting! Thank you for posting about the process.
hahahahhaaaaa…make a difference…..hahahahahahaa…..goood one…!!!
Push it to the limit cool Wolf! You are the best and you can do everything! It’ll all work out very very very soon! https://www.samsung.com smkmkplobydlmcrjmzgvx
Push it to the limit cool Wolf! You are the best and you can do everything! It’ll all work out very very very soon! https://www.samsung.com smkmkplobydlmcrjmzgvx
I tried to leave a comment on your citizenship post, but comments were closed (?) Oops, I’m perpetually behind on blog reading! Glad you got yourself registered. Here’s the comment I tried to make on the previous post: “I’m proud and excited for you, Rebecca. I’m so glad I got to meet you during what now seems like a very brief time in Belize (18 months). I’ll never forget the many wonderful memories of our time there. You were definitely an inspiration and continue to draw me back there with your interesting posts and beautiful photos. Thank you for that. And again, congratulations on your accomplishment, you Belizean, you!”
Closed? Huh…I have no idea how this all works! Thanks so much! I loved your blog while you guys were here.