The Southampton West Central by-election has been set for Thursday, December 4, following the resignation of Opposition MP Jon Brunson on Tuesday.

Voters wanting to cast a ballot in the forth-coming poll in Constituency 31 have until next Thursday to register – if they need to make changes.

Neither party has named a candidate yet.

The United Bermuda Party, which holds the seat, is expected to name its candidate by the end of the month.

UBP Senator Jeanne Atherden has been linked with the seat – leader Kim Swan spoke recently about the need to boost the number of female MPs. However she declined to comment yesterday.

Insiders also expect interest from Senator Charlie Swan who lost in the neighbouring Southampton West seat at the election, Wayne Scott who fought Warwick North Central and Doug DeCouto who fought Southampton East.

Former leader Michael Dunkley, who was turfed out of the House of Assembly at the last election, has not ruled himself out but David Dodwell, who also lost his seat in December, has not returned calls.

A Government press release advised all eligible voters in that seat of a seven-day open registration period ending Friday October 24, 2008.

Parliamentary Registrar Randy Scott urged people who have changed their registration details since the December, 2007 General Election to visit his office or go on the online website to update their information.

Mr. Scott said: "If eligible voters have changed their name or address since the last year's General Election and have not registered their changes with us, they may be challenged at the polling station.

"It is important for those individuals who reside in Constituency 31 to check the current Parliamentary Register to ensure that they and their family are correctly registered."

To amend registration details, or to register for the first time, one can either visit www.elections.gov.bm, or pick up a registration form from the Parliamentary Registry Office, Valerie T. Scott Building on Reid Street.

Alternatively, forms can be collected from any Post Office or Police Station.

Mr. Scott said to be eligible to register individuals must be 18 years or older, Bermudian by birth or status and ordinarily a resident in Bermuda (or a non-Bermudian Commonwealth citizen who was registered to vote on May 1, 1976).

He also pointed out that no registrations or amendments will be accepted after the 5 p.m. deadline on October 24, 2008.

During the lead up to the December 4 By-Election, Mr. Scott said regular advisories would be issued, and encouraged the public to stay tuned to the media as his department will soon update on the Advanced Poll Voting.

For more information Constituency 31 residents can call the Parliamentary Registry Office at 293 VOTE or 293 8683 or visit www.elections.gov.bm.