A $30,000 media campaign is being launched this week to make sure voters are properly registered.

The Parliamentary Registry's first ever Voter's Awareness Month will be spread across print, radio and television.

Entitled 'Stop the Drama' it features the diligent Mr. Catchem, a cartoon character who fruitlessly hunts the Island for a missing voter.

The campaign will remind voters to update their registration details within 28 days of any changes to their names, addresses or marital status.

Parliamentary Registrar Randy Scott said: "Keeping one's registration details up-to-date ensures the voter's rights and ensures the validity and fairness of the democratic process.

This year the Registry will run registration drives at supermarkets, charity events, senior schools and even the agricultural exhibition. Mr. Scott added: "Our school workshops will highlight the evolution of our franchise and capture all those turning voting age."

Mr. Scott said the idea for the campaign had generated within his office, not from on high.

Asked whether Bermuda was going to the polls soon he said: "There is always a possibility of an election or a referendum even.

"We always have to be ready, ahead of the curve so we can go into the election fairly confident we have an accurate register."

People can register online or use a form found in post offices.

As a very rough estimate he said about five percent of the voters were in the wrong place while about another five percent were missing off the register altogether.

Mr. Scott said most voters weren't moving around around 65 percent of householders are homeowners while many renters had long tenureship.

"There are a small number of people moving around."

Scrutineers from both parties, appointed by the Governor, canvassed areas door-to-door to give the Parliamentary Registry an idea of any changes.

For more information about the Parliamentary Registry or about 'Voter's Awareness Month', contact Mr. Scott on 293-VOTE or visit www.elections.gov.bm.