#ASKGOYO
Atty. Gregorio Larrazabal
With less than three months to go before the deadline for people to register as voters, we need to remind our family and friends that if they haven’t yet applied as voters, they should do it as soon as possible.
To help, the following are answers to FAQs (frequently asked questions) on how to register as a voter:
Q: Where do I go to apply as a voter?
A: To apply as a voter, you need to go to the City/Municipal COMELEC office where you reside. So, if you work in Muntinlupa City, but reside in Makati City, you go to the COMELEC office in Makati City to register as a voter.
Q: Where is the City/Municipal COMELEC office usually located?
A: The OEO (Office of the Election Officer) COMELEC offices are usually located near the municipal/city hall (or you can check in the COMELEC website to be sure).
Q: Is there an online appointment/application form which I can fill up?
A: Yes, you need to go to: https://irehistro.comelec.gov.ph .Then fill up the application/appointment form, print out the form, and bring it to the COMELEC office on your scheduled appointment.
- At this time, it’s sometimes faster to just go to the COMELEC office, wait in line, and register as a voter.
Q: What days of the week can you go to the COMELEC office to apply as a voter?
A: Under the updated schedule, applicants can go to the COMELEC office from Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. till 5 p.m.
Q: Do I need to fill up a form to apply as a voter?
A: Yes, you have to fill up a registration form and supplemental form, which I discussed above. If not, there should be forms in the COMELEC office you’ll go to. Just make sure you bring a black pen with you.
Q: In printing out the application form, is there a specific paper size to use when I print out the forms?
A: Yes. Make sure you use folio / F4 (or “Philippine Legal”) size paper, which is 8.5” x 13”.
Q: How many copies should I print?
A: Print at least three copies which you’ll submit to COMELEC. You can print extra copies, in case you need to practice at home.
Q: Should I fill up the forms before going to the COMELEC office?
A: Yes, fill it up at home, before going to the COMELEC office.
Q: Is there something in the form which I should accomplish at the COMELEC office?
A: Yes! Affix your signature and thumbprint at the COMELEC office, only in front of the COMELEC official.
Q: What documents should I bring with me when I apply as a voter?
A: You need two documents:
- Proof of identification. For young applicants, you can use your school ID for this requirement.
- Proof of residence. Usually a utility, credit card or other bill. What’s important is you’ll be able to establish that you reside in that address.
A: Yes, the following are the health protocols you need to comply with when going to the COMELEC office:
- All applicants must wear a mask and face shield. You will be denied entry to the COMELEC office if you do not comply with this health protocol.
- Please bring your own black ballpen when you go to register as a voter.
- Before entering the COMELEC office, make sure you step on the disinfection mat which is located in front of the office.
- There is an alcohol and/or sanitizer dispenser in the COMELEC office. Make sure you apply on your hands when you enter the office.
- Make sure you practice physical distancing when in the COMELEC office.
- When you finish and leave the COMELEC office, make sure you apply alcohol and/or alcogel on your hands.
A: Yes, you can. As long as you’ll be 18-years-old on or before May 9, 2022. So, a 17-year-old person, who is turning 18-years-old on or before May 9, 2022, can already register as a voter.
Our choices are free and independent. We have a voice, and should make our voice heard. The best way to do that is by voting on May 9, 2022. The important thing now is we register so we can vote our preference.
Stay Safe. Stay Healthy. #MagpaRehistroKa