Frequently Asked Questions - Trinidad & Tobago
Who is Eligible to Vote?
A citizen of Trinidad and Tobago who is 18 years of age or older and has resided in an electoral district/constituency for at least two months prior to the Qualifying Date.
A Commonwealth citizen, 18 years of age or older, who has resided legally in Trinidad and Tobago for a period of at least one year and has resided in an electoral district/constituency for a least two months prior to the Qualifying Date.
A Non-Commonwealth Citizen, 18 years of age or older, who has resided legally in Trinidad and Tobago for a period of at least five years and has resided in an electoral district/constituency for a least two months prior to the Qualifying Date.
Non-Commonwealth Citizens are only eligible to vote in City or Borough elections within Trinidad. They cannot vote in Parliamentary or Tobago House of Assembly elections.
Under what conditions will my name be removed from the list of electors?
Under the provisions of the act,
(1) No person is qualified to be or to remain registered as an elector who –
is mentally ill, within the meaning of the Mental Health Act;
Is under sentence of death imposed on him by a Court in any part of the Commonwealth or is serving a sentence of imprisonment (by whatever name called) exceeding twelve months imposed on him by such a Court or substituted by competent authority for some other sentence imposed on him by such a Court or is under such a sentence of death or imprisonment the execution of which has been suspended;
Is disqualified for registration as an elector by virtue of any law in force in Trinidad and Tobago by reason of his having been convicted of any offence relating to elections.
(2) No person, other than a person referred to in section 13(1)c, is qualified to remain registered as an elector if he ceases to be a Commonwealth citizen.
What does the term "Qualifying date" mean?
"Qualifying date" means the ninth day after the date fixed as the date of commencement of an electoral registration by Proclamation issued under section 30.
Why would I need an ID Card?
Here are the many reasons why you would need an Identification Card.
Who is excepted from Jury Service?
Under Section 7 of the Jury Act, Chapter 6:53, the following classes of persons are excepted from Jury Service.
Members of Parliament
Members of the Tobago House of Assembly
The Judges of the Supreme Court
Magistrates and their Clerks
Justices of the Peace
Ministers of Religion
Mayors and Deputy Mayors
Consuls and Vice-Councils
Members of the Medical Board in actual practice
Licensed Druggists in actual practice as such
Persons (other than licensed shop-keepers) registered under the Medical Board Act
Barristers and Solicitors in actual practice and their Clerks
Officers of Courts of Justice
Schoolteachers
Jailors and persons employed as Deputies under them
Members of the Defence Force
Members of the Police Service and Constables
Members of the Fire Service
Officers and servants of the Post Office or the Customs and Excise Department
Pilots who are licensed under the provisions of Section 5 of the Pilotage Act
Members of the air crew of any company, firm or other organization operating an air-line service under an agreement with the Government who holds licenses issued by the Director of Civil Aviation.
The Spouses of the following persons –
Judges of the Supreme Court
Members of Parliament
Mayors and Deputy Mayors
Magistrates and their Clerks
Justices of the Peace
Barristers and Solicitors and their Clerks
Officers of Courts of Justice
Members of the Police Service