POND ISLAND--The Census Office, also known as the Civil Registry, is asking the public to register all changes of address in a timely manner to beat the late and last minute rush at the department in regards to the upcoming election for the Parliament of Country St. Maarten.

Persons who have moved need to change their address, and those who need to verify their current address are also urged to pass by the office or call the office for further information, according to Head of the Census Office Leona Marlin.

The community is asked to come in on a timely manner and provide their correct addresses to ensure the proper delivery of voting cards, Marlin said in a press-release on Monday.

In this regard, the Post Office and the Census Department have been working together in order to be more efficient in delivering the voting cards. According to Marlin, there is better categorization on how the cards are printed, and in turn the Post Office will able to deliver the voting cards more effectively.

"There is a lot of work being done behind the scene in reference to the elections," Marlin said.

At this point in time, there are approximately 19,365 persons registered to vote. The voting registry has not yet been closed and there was a backlog for June, as they had to wait for specific registration numbers. "So what is being processed are persons with Dutch nationality, then children and then persons related to the Brooks Tower Accord," Marlin said.

The public is urged to come in early to check on, and/or resolve any issues they may have concerning the September 17 election.

"This time around," Marlin-Romeo said, "the period is condensed, so there is much work to be done within a short period of time. Therefore, it is absolutely critical for the community to come in early and not wait until the last minute [to have their addresses changed]."