Avoid the Hassle With a Lost or Stolen Cedula

When we first received our cedulas we were advised by friends to make a good color copy, laminate it and carry that as your identification, keeping the original in a safe place. We did exactly that, only carrying our original when handling banking or legal matters like getting a power of attorney. Originals also needed to travel internationally as well.

A friend of ours lost his wallet with his original cedula inside and was leaving the country, going back to Canada, in a few weeks time. We saw what a hassle he had getting a new cedula and were happy for the suggestion.

It is a big hassle having to come up with original documents to replace those that you used to get your residency approved. For us not having additional original documentation or a fast way to receive this documentation from the United States, it would cause us a great deal of anxiety to say the least. You need to recreate all the original documentation you needed when you originally applied. And you have to do it from here. Whew!

We found while living in Salinas that there were several places that had laminating machines by the municipal building and for as little as a dollar you could have a duplicate card made. Not sure where in Portoviejo this could be accomplished but I am sure there must be several places that have a laminating machine.

Changing the Address on your Cedula

When we moved to Ecuador we had no idea where in Ecuador we would be settling. So when our attorney asked what address do you wish to use on our paperwork, both Joe and I just shrugged… and she used her address in Quito.  With all the hubbub over Expat Residents having to vote earlier this month, I went to the local office of Consejo National Electoral – Delegacion Provincial de Santa Elena to get some information. This office is located in the Centro de Atención building about one block away from the Paseo Shopping Center.

They only make address changes in March and October so we will be going into the office in October to correct our address. To do this you are required to bring three copies of your cedula, your censo and your passport.  Along with three copies of your lease or a utility bill. What I was told is that until an Expat has lived in Ecuador for five years, you cannot vote and after five years it is optional to do so. The interesting thing is that for Ecuadorians, not only do they have the right to vote but that it is compulsory. According to an article I read, voting is mandatory for literate Ecuadorians between the ages of 18 and 65 years old residing in Ecuador. Voting is optional for the illiterate and for senior citizens over the age of 65.  As I mentioned, as permanent residents we will have the option to vote after we have been here 5 years.  Pretty cool! Active military are not able to vote according to the article.  This all came up because we found out that our names appear on the voting rolls in Quito and, as such, were originally told by our consulate that meant we were required to vote.  To see if you are on the voting list go to: http://app.cne.gob.ec/lugarvotacion/  put your cedula number in the blank and press consulta.

The above flyer is found on the reception window in the electoral office – the last exception loosely translates to: Foreign residents are required to live for five years in Ecuador before they can vote.