Protecting the Right to Vote: A Call for Fairness and Consistency in Roseau North

Dear Members of the Electoral Commission: 

I am writing to express my concern regarding the procedures currently being applied in the Roseau North by-election, particularly in relation to voter identification and the apparent introduction of new voting requirements. 

My concern comes from a recent experience closer to home. On August 17, 2026, the Kalinago Council held its own by-election, during which the procedures that have traditionally governed our elections were followed. Voters were not required to produce identification cards or birth certificates to exercise their right to vote. 

I am therefore genuinely concerned and somewhat confused by reports that voters in the Roseau North by-election are now being required to follow a different or new procedure. If confirmation is not officially scheduled to close until October, why are voters being subjected to requirements that could potentially prevent or discourage some eligible citizens from casting their ballots? 

The question I am asking is a simple one: Why should two by-elections taking place under our democratic system be governed by substantially different procedures when the fundamental principle is the same, the right of eligible citizens to vote? 

I am not suggesting that electoral procedures should not evolve or that proper safeguards should not be put in place. However, any changes to the electoral process must be clearly communicated, legally grounded, applied consistently, and, most importantly, must not unnecessarily disenfranchise eligible voters. 

Our democracy depends on public confidence in the electoral process. When different standards appear to be applied to different elections, it naturally raises questions about fairness, transparency and equal treatment. 

I therefore respectfully call on the Electoral Commission and all relevant regulatory authorities to provide clarity to the public on the procedures being applied in the Roseau North by-election. What has changed? When did the change take effect? What is the legal basis for the new requirements? And why were similar requirements not applied during the Kalinago Council by-election on August 17? 

Most importantly, I urge our electoral authorities to ensure that no eligible voter is prevented from exercising their democratic right because of uncertainty, inconsistent procedures, or requirements that have not been properly communicated. 

Our leaders and institutions have a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of fairness and justice, regardless of the constituency, the election, or the people involved. 

Voting is a right, not a privilege. It is one of the fundamental pillars of our democracy, and every effort must be made to protect that right and ensure that every eligible citizen can participate freely and fairly. 

I therefore appeal to the Electoral Commission and all those responsible for administering our elections: exercise fairness, consistency and justice throughout this election. Our democracy deserves nothing less. 

Yours faithfully, 

Anette Sanford 

Kalinago Chief