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Last week saw the resumption of the processing of applications for voter registration all over the country. There have been some sporadic reports of some crowding outside the Comelec field offices, but a most of the reports were that there was an orderly processing of people who wanted to register as voters. Kudos to the mayors and LGUs for keeping things in order!
There was a request by the IATF for the suspension of processing of applications for voter registration, but the Comelec En Banc politely turned it down. I think that was a very good decision. Why, you might ask? Let me explain.
There are an estimated 6 million expected new registered voters for the May 9, 2022, presidential election. Divided into 13 months (September, 2020, to September, 2021), that means there’ll be approximately 470,000 new applicants per month. For 2020, that means there’ll be roughly 1.8 million new applications filed. If Comelec suspends the processing of applications for voter registration, this means that those 1.8 million potential applicants will be bunched up with those who are supposed to register in 2021. Thus, suspending the application for registration for 2020 not only delays the resolution of the concern, but exacerbates it in 2021.
But take note that the decision of the en banc to continue processing of applications will limit it to applications for new registration. The following applications will be suspended:
- Transfer of residence of a voter.
- Change or correction of entries of the voter, including change of marital status.
Another question which is asked often is what happens to those under 18 now, but will turn 18 on or before May 9, 2022? Can they already apply as a voter?
The answer is YES. They just have to download the forms, print three copies in legal-size paper, fill up the form, but not sign it or affix their thumbprint on it, follow the guidelines by setting an appointment, and wear a mask and face shield when they go to the Comelec office.
For those under 21 (including those under 18, as explained above), will their applications be processed by the Comelec office, despite the prohibition by the IATF on minors not allowed outside homes?
Yes, Comelec will process their applications for voter registration if they’re at the appropriate Comelec office.
Can you go to the Comelec office even without an appointment?
Yes, but preference will be given to those with a previously scheduled appointment done online. For those who plan to register in Metro Manila, you can click on the link below for the contact information of the different Comelec offices in NCR:
Again, there is a form you’ll have to fill out for your voter registration application. The forms can be downloaded, and I highly recommend that you download the forms and fill up some portions of it BEFORE going to the Comelec office in your city/municipality. You can download the forms by clicking the links below:
Voter Registration Form:
https://www.comelec.gov.ph/php-tpls-attachments/VoterRegistration/ApplicationsForms/CEF1_Revised.pdf
Supplementary Data Form:
Please take note of the very important reminders in filling up the forms:
- Print three copies of the forms and fill it up before going to the Comelec office.
- Use legal-size paper (8.5” x 13”) when printing out the application forms.
- You can fill up the form at home but must affix your signature on the form ONLY IN FRONT OF THE COMELEC OFFICIAL.
- You must roll your fingerprint and affix your specimen signature WHEN YOU ARE AT THE COMELEC OFFICE, IN THE PRESENCE OF THE COMELEC OFFICIAL.
With the process of voter registration already on-going, Comelec should already be focusing on logistical and procedural adjustments and modifications to be done in the voting centers on election day, which is on May 9, 2022. The current voting structure could cause many problems. You need to decongest and spread out the people who will vote on election day. Comelec officials studied how the elections in South Korea was conducted earlier this year. There will be several countries which will be conducting elections before us which the country can learn from, including the November elections in the USA. So, the absurd notion that the Philippines cannot conduct elections in a pandemic, is exactly that, as absurd idea. Comelec, the whole government, various stakeholders and every voter must prepare for it. There is still time, but work must begin now.
Stay safe. Stay healthy. Recognize your voice in our democracy.