How to Verify if an Unknown Individual is Registered at Your Address
A citizen recently discovered unknown individuals were registered at his address when reviewing his data and shared this finding through social media. Similar stories are frequently posted online.
It is important for voter lists to be accurate as inaccuracies can significantly impact the electoral process. Citizens have an opportunity to contribute to creating accurate voter lists by verifying their personal data and address in the voter registry. If they find unknown individuals registered at their address, they should request that these entries are removed from registration.
Is it possible for unknown individuals to register at an address without permission from the owner? How?
The Public Service Development Agency is responsible for registering and deregistering individuals from addresses based on their residence. Hence, individuals should contact the Civil Registry to register an address.
Individuals can register at another person’s property either with the owner’s consent or based on the testimony of two individuals (witnesses) who can confirm that the person has been living at that address for at least the past three months according to Order N98 by the Minister of Justice. Therefore, it is possible for unknown individuals to be registered at your address.
How can you verify if an unknown individual is registered at your address?
Voters can verify their personal data and address of registration through the Central Election Commission’s website at https://voters.cec.gov.ge/.
You can access information about your registration station, district and address as well as the list of voters registered at your address by entering your personal details and identification number. Thus, just one click allows you to check if any unknown individuals are registered at your address.
What steps to take if you discover unknown individuals registered at your address?
You should contact the Civil Registry and request deregistration of any unknown individuals from your address.
Order N98 by the Minister of Justice of Georgia states that an individual can be deregistered:
a. Upon submitting a written statement from any adult confirming that the individual to be removed has not lived at the address for the last six months. The applicant will need to provide two adult witnesses if they are not the owner of the property.
b. Upon submitting a list of individuals registered at the address, excluding the person to be removed and a receipt for utility bills (electricity, water and cleaning) to confirm the number of residents, if the applicant is the property owner (contact the Public Service Hall for further information).
Thus, it is crucial for citizens to participate in electoral processes by verifying and correcting voter lists to ensure credibility of elections.
