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#MagpaRehistroKa: Voter Registration 101 for First-time Voters

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Dec 07, 2020

The election goes beyond merely choosing a candidate. The leaders we elect will greatly influence the direction headed by our country in the future. As citizens of a democratic country, we have the right to choose who we think are the most fit to become leaders. And the first step to fulfilling this duty is by registering as a voter. 

We know you’re excited to register, and we’re also sure that you have a lot of questions in store as first-time voters. Dahil dyan, we are going to answer some of your questions about voter registration! 

1. Am I eligible to register to vote? 

According to the COMELEC, you are eligible to register as a voter if you meet the following criteria: 

  • Filipino citizens
  • At least 18 years old on or before Election Day (May 9, 2022) 
    • For Sangguniang Kabataan voters: at least 15 years old, but not older than 30
  • A resident of the Philippines for at least one year and a resident of the place in which you intend to vote for at least 6 months

If you’re currently a minor but will be turning 18 on or before the election day, you can register as early as now!

2. What documents do I need to prepare? 

Before going to the elections office, be sure to have the following documents already prepared: 

2.a. Three copies of your accomplished voter registration form (and Annex B, if applicable)

  • You can download the form from the COMELEC website and have it printed and filled out by hand. Leave the spaces for signature and thumb marks blank–these are only to be provided during your actual registration day.
  • You can now also fill out the form online through COMELEC’s iRehistro! Simply provide all the information needed in each section. You can also choose to set an appointment with your local COMELEC Office through this site (yes, you may need to set an appointment–read on below to know more!). When you’re finished, the website will generate a PDF containing three copies of the registration form, with your personal information typewritten in each copy. Ang convenient, ‘di ba? 

2.b. Coronavirus Self-Declaration Form 

  • In this form, you will be asked about your recent travel and health history. Filling out this form will facilitate the contact tracing protocol of your local COMELEC Office. Be sure to fill this out in advance! 

2.c. Valid ID

  • Bring at least 1 valid ID, as well as one photocopy of this ID. Listed below are the valid IDs accepted by the COMELEC: 
  • Employee’s identification card (ID), with the signature of the employer or authorized representative
  • Postal ID
  • PWD Discount ID
  • Student’s ID or library card, signed by the school authority
  • Senior Citizen’s ID
  • Driver’s license
  • NBI clearance
  • Passport
  • SSS/GSIS ID
  • Integrated Bar of the Philippine (IBP) ID
  • License issued by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC)
  • Certificate of Confirmation issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in case of members of ICCs or IPs
  • Any other valid ID.

Aside from the documents mentioned above, bring your own pen with black or blue ink, and keep an alcohol or hand sanitizer in handy. More importantly, never forget to wear your face mask and face shield before going out! Let’s protect ourselves from the virus, and let’s look out for others who are more vulnerable in contracting the disease.

3. What should I expect during the registration process? 

The voter registration process is almost the same as that pre-pandemic. The COMELEC has set additional protocols so that COVID-19 transmission can be prevented as much as possible. Here are some of the things you may expect during the voter registration process: 

  • Most COMELEC offices will require you to set an appointment for your registration on your preferred date. The offices will be accepting only a limited number of registrants per day, kaya you can be assured that the offices will not be crowded during your registration time. 
  • If your local COMELEC Office has no appointment system, better arrive at the office early so that you will be accommodate by the officers. 
  • When you arrive at your local COMELEC Office, you may be asked by the officials to fill out a contact tracing form first. After that, you will be proceeding to the actual registration process. 
  • Your application form will be reviewed by an electoral officer. After ensuring that all the information you provided is correct, you will be asked to provide your signature and your thumb marks. 
  • Next, your application will be encoded into the Election Registration Board’s system. An officer will then have your photo taken, and you will be asked to provide your digital signature and fingerprints. 
  • To finalize your application, you will be given a stub, which serves as an acknowledgment receipt.

And there you have it! The whole process might take you approximately 2 hours.

Please note that the protocols for local COMELEC Offices may vary. Be sure to know the protocols of your local COMELEC Office before you register by contacting their office or by visiting their official website or Facebook page. 

4. Will I be receiving a Voters’ ID after registration? 

The COMELEC has stopped the issuing of the voter’s ID as the government is gearing up for the issuance of national ID cards

On the other hand, you may apply for a voter’s certification. Ask your local COMELEC Office on how you can get one! 

5. Until when can we register? 

Voter registration for the 2022 elections is until September 30, 2021! You still have a lot of time to register, but please do it at your latest, most convenient time! 

6. Should I really register to vote? Would my vote actually matter? 

DEFINITELY! We may be young, but we, the youth, hold the future in our hands. The very decisions we make today, no matter how big or small, will contribute to the change that is about to happen in the future. Our votes will define the leaders who will run the country for the next six years, kaya we better use it wisely! 

And those are some of the things you need to know about vote registration! Do note that these are general information, and the actual application process may vary per area. For further clarifications and specific instructions, please reach out to your local COMELEC Office so that they may guide you accordingly.

Your vote makes a difference. Let us all exercise our right to vote! Tara na!

 

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Waynnie Mae Melendres

The content here was submitted to us via email, and published with minor edits by Edukasyon.ph staff. Want your work published here too? Send your essays directly to support@edukasyon.ph with the subject line "BLOG SUBMISSION." The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the Edukasyon company or individuals.

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Written By:

article.author.name
Waynnie Mae Melendres

The content here was submitted to us via email, and published with minor edits by Edukasyon.ph staff. Want your work published here too? Send your essays directly to support@edukasyon.ph with the subject line "BLOG SUBMISSION." The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the Edukasyon company or individuals.

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