Both parties urge voter ID revalidation as Baltimore and Browne face off in St. Philip’s North by-election

With Nomination Day set for Feb. 25 and polling scheduled for March 16, both major political parties are urging residents of St. Philip’s North to revalidate or collect their voter identification cards ahead of the by-election.

The contest was triggered following the vacancy created in the constituency long represented by Sir Robin Yearwood, who served 50 consecutive years in Parliament before stepping aside.

The governing Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) has named Randy Baltimore as its candidate, while the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) is fielding Alex Browne.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne, speaking on the Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM, encouraged eligible voters to ensure their electoral cards are properly validated well before polling day, cautioning against last-minute delays that could prevent participation.

The writ for the by-election has already been issued, formally launching the electoral process.

Meanwhile, UPP candidate Alex Browne has issued a similar appeal through campaign outreach, urging constituents to “replace or collect” their voter ID cards. Information circulated by his campaign indicates that voter ID services are available at the Glanvilles Polyclinic during weekday business hours, with contact numbers provided for assistance.

The March 16 vote will determine who succeeds Yearwood as the parliamentary representative for St. Philip’s North, a constituency that has historically leaned toward the ABLP but is expected to draw intense campaigning from both sides in the coming weeks.