Business voters for Corporation of Hamilton elections were asked to make sure their details were up to date.

Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, said that elections were scheduled for next year.

Mr Gosling said: “The Parliamentary Registrar is currently in the process of reviewing the voters’ list, as is required by law, for the upcoming municipal elections next May.

“It is important to note that while residents, if they are on the Parliamentary registry, are automatically registered on the municipal lists, Bermuda businesses are required to register and ensure their information is current.

“The process enables a broader electoral base where the community can be better served.”

Business ratepayers are eligible to register if they are a sole proprietor, company association, partnership or commercial property owner in the city and charged rates.

Ratepayers must be registered on the Parliamentary Register in a constituency other than the municipal area for which they are eligible to be charged rates.

The company or business must not be a subsidiary of other business ratepayers, exempted companies or exempted partnerships.

Business ratepayers only get one vote and, if a ratepayer is also a city resident, they must vote as a resident and nominate someone else to cast their ratepayer vote.

Mr Gosling added: "I want to unreservedly encourage all eligible city businesses to register if they have not done so already.

“I can appreciate the tiresome nature of engaging in any application process but this should not deter individuals from using their democratic right to choose the best representatives for the people."

Registration forms are available at the Parliamentary Registry at Craig Appin House, Wesley Street, Hamilton.

Completed forms should be returned to the Parliamentary Registry with the appropriate documentation.

Firms already on the Business Ratepayer Register do not have to re-register unless their details have changed, including the assessment number and address of the business, the name and address of the nominee and contact information.

Building owners should make sure that all units owned are properly labelled as occupied or vacant.

Ratepayers can check their details are correct by here.

For assistance, contact the Parliamentary Registry at 293-8683 or e-mail pro@gov.bm.