The Parliamentary Registrar has branded allegations that Bermuda's list of voters is inaccurate as "grossly incorrect."

Randy Scott's remarks came after the Voters' Rights Association (VRM) sparked debate on the issue. As previously reported, VRA President Geoff Parker claimed details for voters were incorrect to an extent that the next General Election result could be skewed.

He reported that of 316 letters sent to voters in St. George's inviting them to attend a VRA meeting, 40 were returned marked "deceased", "moved" or "wrong address".

He expressed concern that this was the case despite the June 15 2007 official Parliamentary Register being used to co-ordinate the mailing. Mr. Parker further claimed that the number of misdirected letters equated to 13 percent of registered voters on the Island.

Those registered in one place and living in another would not only be breaking the law, he said, but "undetected illegal voters" could swing the result of the next General Election by affecting the outcome in marginal constituencies.

Mr. Scott hit back, saying his office constantly updates details of voters as they die or move house. He acknowledged, however, that many will have moved since the official register was published in June. Mr. Scott pointed out that scrutineers from the two main political parties work closely with his office to keep details up to date in each constituency.

In a reference to the total number of registered voters in Bermuda, he added: "Our office is too small to deal with 42,000 names. That is why we have scrutineers."

He revealed that during a campaign last year, 19,000 households were sent forms asking them to confirm their details.

"We got back over 8,000, which is pretty good. We had a robust campaign and got good results," he commented.

However, the VRA seized upon those remarks to step up their attack earlier this week — with Mr. Parker claiming Mr. Scott had confirmed there was no way to check on people moving or dying in the months ahead of an election, and that his office is understaffed.

Reflecting on the return rate of 8,000 replies from 19,000 campaign letters sent out by the Parliamentary Registry Office last year, Mr. Parker called for those who did not return their forms to be fined — with the proceeds used to hire more staff for the office.

However, stepping up the war of words Friday, Mr. Scott issued a press release saying that while he welcomed "a healthy and balanced dialogue" on the voter registration system, he wished to dispel any suggestion by the VRA that the list is incorrect.

"Claims by the VRA that the current register is inaccurate are grossly incorrect. We are constantly updating the register to ensure that it accurately reflects the current number of eligible voters on the Island," he said.

He pointed out that the onus falls upon voters themselves to ensure they are correctly registered.

"With respect to the registration of those who have moved out of a Constituency, or who have passed away, we had over the past year a highly successful verification campaign reminding voters of their registration requirements. As is customary at the Parliamentary Registry Office, we will continue our efforts to contact individuals whenever it is suggested that their registration particulars should be amended," he said.

In reference to the VRA claim that his office should fine people for not properly registering to vote, Mr. Scott said: "Contrary to the VRA's assertions, there are no provisions under the (Parliamentary Election) Act to penalise voters for not changing their registration details."

He reassured Bermudians that his office is both adequately staffed and well equipped to deal with the work load should a General Election be called.