Temporary IDs for voters

The Elections Department has commenced issuing new temporary identity cards in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara, Ratnapura and Kegalle districts. Applications should be handed over to the Grama Niladhari of the area with two recent photographs, according to Deputy Commissioner of Elections M. Mohammed.

The Department has extended the deadline to apply for temporary identity cards to August 31, Mohammed said to the benefit of voters.

The Department has granted permission for voters to use the temporary identity cards issued during the 2010, and 2011 elections in the upcoming provincial election for Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and North Central provinces, he said. Submitting the identity card would be compulsory at the polling booth to cast one’s vote.

Even though permission was granted to use previously issued temporary identity cards, they would have to be updated prior to the elections, Mohammed said.

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