Comelec resumes voter registration on July 4-23

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced that it is continuing voter registration from July 4 to 23.

In a Viber message sent to reporters on Thursday, June 24, Comelec  spokesperson Rex Laudiangco said that the date was set in preparation for the scheduled barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on December 5. 

Accroding to Laudiangco, this is also in compliance to the guidelines of the Cotinuing Voter's Registration Act, or RA 8189, that "voter registration is prohibited within 120 days prior to elections.” 

“The Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) is on December 5, 2022. Roughly starting August 7, it’s already prohibited,” the spokesperson said.  

Laudiangco also highlighted that there are a lot of activities and requirements for post-registration that needs to be given adequate time. 

“Therefore, we only have July 24 to August 6 to post/publish names of voter registration applicants, set the Election Registration Board (ERB) hearings, subject registrants to database verification, conduct said ERB hearings, draft and approve the project of precincts and cluster established precincts as may be necessary. (These are) apart from petitions for inclusion or exclusions which will be filed with, heard, and decided by MeTCs (Metropolitan Trial Courts) or MTCs (Municipal Trial Courts),” he  added. 

According to Resolution No 10798 signed by Comelec Secretary Consuelo Diola on June 22, applicants should personally file their registration at the Office of the Election Officer (OEO) of the city or municipality where they reside. The offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, including holidays.

On the day of registration, applicants must bring three copies of their duly filled up registration form, which can be downloaded from Comelec's website and printed on long bond paper.

Comelec is also requiring all applicants to bring an identification document, such as their PhilSys National ID, company or student ID, Postal ID, senior or persons with disability ID, passport, or any other valid ID, during their registration.

Those who will be applying as a regular voter must be 18 years old and above, a resident of the Philippines for at least one year, and not disqualified by law.

Meanwhile, those who do not meet the criteria on the day of the registration may still apply if they will possess the qualifications on or before Dec. 5, 2022.