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FSM National Elections Office Strengthens Internal Procedures on Voter ID Cards

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): January 19, 2010 - The Director of the FSM National Elections Office, Mr. Kimeuo Kimiuo, has issued new internal processing procedures for the issuing of Voter Identification Cards (VID Cards). In order to improve the system and security of VID Cards, the Director has requested the FSM National Election Commissioner to implement a record keeping procedure that will track the name of people hand carrying VID applications into the Commissioner's office and the name of the person that picks up the VID Card once it is printed. A log book will be maintained to contain these names so that tracking and verification can be done for every VID Card that is issued.

In addition to the tracking of names, the new procedure requires that the final printing of VID Cards will be done only at the Director's Office and in batches of at least 50 cards at a time.

As a reminder, the next FSM General Election is scheduled to be held on March 8, 2011. All Voters, those residing in the FSM and those residing outside the FSM, are required to present some form ID to be able to cast their votes. The FSM Election Offices are now issuing FREE FSM Voter ID Cards to all eligible voters.

You may pick up your Voter ID Application at the FSM Consulate Office or at your respective FSM Election Office. Your application must be completed, signed, and submitted to your respective FSM Election Office for verification. FSM Election Commissioners will ensure that your VID Application match your data on the General Voter Registry System prior to forwarding the application to the Director for printing.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your FSM National Elections Commissioner's office.