So much has changed since the COVID-19 outbreak that routines, milestones and civic duties will continue to meet upgrades in the name of health and safety. Registering to vote in the Philippines, now that voter resumption is underway, is one of them.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has announced that until September 30, 2021, its doors are open to eligible first-time voters so they, too, can exercise their right in the 2022 national and local elections.
What’s at stake? What do you need to bring? What are the newly imposed protocols in light of the pandemic? Here is everything you need to know.
RELATED: The Emotional Roller Coaster That Is Election Season
The 2022 national elections will decide a new president, a vice president, 12 senators, 238 congressional representatives and 59 party-list representatives.
Given this scope, even the smallest margin of votes could mean the difference between one candidate winning over another. Along with this, the difference between life-changing policies on a national level for better or worse.
Citizens are eligible to vote when they fulfill the following:
Applicants can register Tuesday through Saturday between 8AM and 3PM at their local COMELEC offices or Office of the Election Officer (OEO).
For a full list of registration centers, tap here. Do note, however, that registration is still suspended in areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified ECQ (MECQ).
The last day of voter registration is on September 30, 2021.
To expedite the registration process, applicants are advised to do the following:
Applicants are strongly advised to bring their own ballpoint pen with black ink on registration day. In addition, other requirements include:
RELATED: On Pride, Independence & Taking A Social Stance
Each applicant is required to wear a face mask and a face shield. Non-compliance with this new protocol grants the COMELEC the right to ban entry.
The new step-by-step process of voter registration is as follows:
Physical distancing of at least two (2) meters must be observed through and through. That said, you can expect that only a certain number of people will be allowed inside the establishment for the registration process. Senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and pregnant women, meanwhile, will be granted access to an express lane.
RELATED: Wonder Whiteboard Series: Philippine General Election 2019
This isn’t a new development, but we’ll say it again: those who don’t vote are not exempt from bearing the brunt of government policies. Do your part and exercise your right to vote. We’ll see you in the polls in 2022.
Art Alexandra Lara
This website uses cookies.