Voter registration will resume on Sept. 1 except in areas under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) or Modified ECQ, the Commission on Elections announced on Saturday.
The poll body said that voter registration in areas under ECQ or MECQ would automatically resume “once the quarantine status is either downgraded” to General Community Quarantine (GCQ), modified GCQ, or if the quarantine is lifted entirely.
Meanwhile, registration would be automatically suspended in GCQ and MGCQ areas if these will be upgraded to ECQ or MECQ, it added.
The poll body said that applications for registration may be submitted from Tuesday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Office of the Election Officer.
“As the Comelec reopens the voter registration, we are encouraging applicants to download the application forms from www.comelec.gov.ph,” said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez in a statement.
“It is strongly recommended that downloaded forms be filled out before going to the Comelec officer for registration but the forms should be signed only in front of the Election Officer at the Comelec office,” he added.
Safety precautions against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will be implemented, the poll body assured.
These include limiting the number of people to be allowed inside the Comelec office to ensure compliance with physical distancing requirements, requiring applicants to wear face masks and face shields. The poll body also encouraged applicants to bring their own pen.
“Registrants will also be required to fill out a ‘Coronavirus Self-Declaration Form’ which discloses information relating to travel, contact with people with known COVID-19 infection, and symptoms being experienced,” said Jimenez.
“Persons exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 infection will not be allowed to enter the Office and will be advised to seek medical assistance,” he added.
Express lanes will be provided for those under the vulnerable sector such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women.
“In order to ensure a safe environment at all times, all Comelec offices nationwide will conduct daily disinfection and decontamination of their premises as well as the voter registration machine and peripherals, furniture and equipment, and other frequently touched surfaces,” the Comelec said.