Exactly one year before the 2022 elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) this Sunday reminded the public to register now, especially just 4 months before the deadline for it.
The commission targets to have 7 million new registered voters but the number of registrants is only 2.8 million as of April 30. September 30 is the deadline for voter registration.
According to Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez, the voter registration period will not be extended even if it is suspended in areas under strict community quarantine status.
“Unfortunately, mukhang hindi na siya puwedeng i-extend because the day after the close of registration [is] filing of COC (certificates of candidacy), which means we have to start preparing for election day documents na,” said Jimenez.
He said the Comelec is taking steps to expand the public’s opportunity to register while following the health protocols against COVID-19.
In Baguio City, the barangay will first assist the registrant in filling out the form and booking an appointment with the Comelec to obtain biometrics.
No more extension on voter registration: Comelec
“If you remove the filling out portion, magiging dalawa-tatlong minuto na lang the whole process kasi kukunin na lang po namin ang kanilang biometrics,” said John Paul Martin, election officer in Baguio.
In Tanza, Cavite, a “no face shield/face mask, no transaction” policy is being implemented, among other policies, to prevent the spread of the virus.
“We encourage na pumunta sila kasi huwag silang mag-alala kasi ’yong mga standard health protocols naman natin ay nao-observe naman natin,” said Joan Romela Abellar-Erni, election officer of Tanza.
The Comelec encourages registrants to fill out the application form that can be downloaded from the iRehistro website before going to the Comelec office.
The Comelec is also distributing printed application forms in the barangays and they are also considering distributing them to community pantries.
“Kami mismo, when we had a walk around in a few barangays in Quezon City, kami mismo, namimigay kami ng voter registration forms,” said Jimenez.
The Comelec is urging the public to register early and avoid hassle as the deadline approaches.
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