May 2022 elections is fast approaching, Please register to vote and have your voice heard! If you are not registered yet, consider this your complete guide and expect it during the process.
While it can be a challenge to register as a voter due to the rising cases of Covid, community quarantine guidelines, and more, you should never procrastinate your duty as a Filipino to vote. If you want to make a change, improve your life or reconsider your options, let your voice be heard, exercise your right to vote, register today!
Here’s what you need to do (and bring) for those not yet registered as a voter and at the right age; here’s what you need to do (and bring).
#MagpaRehistroKa!
What You Need To Know About Voter’s Registration
The voter registration process involves the sworn application of a qualified voter to the local election office of their city or municipality of residence. Upon approval by the Election Registration Board, the applicant’s record is added to the voter list.
All Filipinos who wish to choose the following public officials in the Philippine elections and those planning to run for public office must fulfill this requirement.
Before Voter’s Registration
Voters must register as soon as possible in light of the Coronavirus threat. It will reduce any chance of catching COVID-19 because you won’t have to wait in long lines or crowds.
Prior to registering with the COMELEC, ensure to do the following three things:
Prepare all requirements
If you’re a first-time voter, you may need to bring any documents with a photocopy:
- NBI Clearance
- IBP ID
- Driver’s License
- PRC ID
- Postal ID
- UMID/GSIS/SSS
- Senior Citizen Identification Card
- Passport
- Confirmation Certificate from NCIP
- School ID
- Any valid ID – ensure it has photo + signature
Note: Police clearance, cedula, or barangay certificate is not valid.
If you are a voter turning 18 by-election day, ensure to bring your birth certificate.
Tips:
- Validate multiple IDs. Bringing a couple of valid IDs is better than not having any at all. You have backups in case the ID you present isn’t acceptable.
- Only show your current address on a legitimate ID. You will be asked for another ID in case the location on your identification card is not similar to city/municipality than where you are applying. It will not be accepted if you do not have one.
Download/Complete the form.
It is recommended that you download the forms through the COMELEC website, print them, and fill it out at home before registering.
Be sure not to put your thumb mark and signature ahead of time. COMELEC requires this only at the time of voter registration.
Guidelines for completing the registration form
- Download the voter registration form by clicking the CEF-1 link.
- PWDs , indigenous people, elderly and older adults with disabilities, and voters who cannot read/write may use Annex B (Supplementary Data Form). You should only download the form if it applies to you.
- COMELEC registration also requires the completion of the Coronavirus Self Declaration Form. Filling out the registration form before registering is best.
- The voter registration forms are available on the website of COMELEC Spokesperson if the COMELEC website is down.
Schedule your appointment
COMELEC is limiting transactions it processes each day to contain the COVID-19 spread. Get in touch with the local COMELEC site to schedule an appointment, so your trip to the COMELEC doesn’t go to waste.
You can walk into the COMELEC office if no appointment system is available. Registration will be conducted during the registration time, so please arrive early.
Check Covid Protocols
This year’s COMELEC registration is different from preceding ones. As a result, transmission in offices must be prevented by following additional steps.
You’ll want to come prepared to COMELEC, so here is a list of what you need to bring:
- Unless you are feeling well, do not proceed.
- Make sure you have a pen with ink (blue or black).
- No face mask/shield, no registration.
- At the entrance, use hand sanitizer/foot bath.
- If you’re a senior citizen, pregnant woman, PWD or 18-20 years old, take the express lane.
Keep a physical distance. Separate yourself from other people by at least 2 meters. After registering, leave the office immediately.
Who is Eligible To Vote/Register?
You can vote in the Philippines if you meet all the requirements listed below:
- Never-registered Filipino citizens
- Aged 18 or older on or before May 9, 2022, the next election
- A person must be 15 or older to be eligible to vote in the SK elections
- You must reside in the country for a minimum of one year before an election, and six months in the municipality or city where you plan to vote
Until When Can You Register?
Registering to vote takes place before the election. You should therefore be mindful of COMELEC’s registration deadline so as not to miss it.
Registering to vote for the elections of May 2022 is open from 8 am to 7 pm, Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays/holidays by 8 am – 5 pm.
Due to the lockdowns, COMELEC is urged to reconsider extending voter registration after the 30th of September 2021. COMELEC rather allowed extended registration hours, including Saturdays/holidays.
Registration Schedule for 2021 MECQ/ECG Areas – COMELEC
Registration of voters is done all over the country, but in areas affected by ECQ, it is suspended.
When ECQ is downgraded to GCQ or MGCQ, COMELEC registration will resume in your city/province. As a result, if the area returns to ECQ, all voter registrations are suspended.
The COMELEC’s en banc has approved the registration conduct, starting September 6, 2021, from 8 am to 5 pm in cities under the MECQ (like Bulacan, Metro Manila, Rizal, and Laguna). So, additionally, you will be able to register to vote in the mall.
If the voter’s registration resumes, the COMELEC may modify the schedule. To find out about the updated registration schedule for 2021, contact your local COMELEC office or visit their Facebook page.
How can you register as a voter?
1. Go to the nearest COMELEC office
2. Present all requirements
3. Get biometrics captured
4. Receive acknowledgment receipt
Takeaway
Voting in the upcoming elections starts on November 6th, so make sure you register as soon as possible. We often overlook COMELEC registration because we are too busy. However, the process is quite straightforward and easy. Avoid doing it on the last registration day, when the COMELEC office gets crowded with last-minute applicants.
Please join the Ask COMELEC Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/AskCOMELEC if you have questions or need further information about voter registration.
Register to exercise your right to VOTE!
