The Commission on Elections (Comelec) clarified that senior citizens and those aged 21 and under could go to their offices and register after the agency recorded a low number of registrants when it opened on September 1.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said that the Inter-Agency Task Force for Infectious and Emerging Diseases (IATF) does not entirely ban seniors and 21-year-olds from leaving their homes. Such a vulnerable group is limited to essential activities such as registration.
The clarification was also released after the report that some Comelec offices allegedly refused to allow seniors to register.
The Comelec-NCR has only recorded 5,028 transactions for the registration of new voters, and those who want their names returned to the voter’s list.
Jimenez said that although the number is minimal, it is not surprising because many do not want to go out for fear of being infected with the virus.
But the Comelec insists that it is safer now to register, especially if you make an online appointment first than in the months where there are a lot of Filipinos who want to catch up with the deadline.
Comelec Voter registration requirements
May 11, 2020 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections:
- Barangay Elections:
- At least eighteen (18) years of age on or before May 11, 2020 elections;
- A resident of the Philippines for at least one (1) year and in the place wherein he/ she proposes to vote, for at least six (6) months immediately preceding the May 11, 2020 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections; and
- Not otherwise disqualified by law.
- Sangguniang Kabataan Elections:
- At least fifteen (15) but not more than thirty (30) years of age and a residing in the barangay for at least six (6) months on or before May 11, 2020 elections; and
- Registered voters as of May 13, 2019 elections shall not register anew.
First time registrants who will register during the resumption of the system of registration of voters and who are eighteen (18) but not more than thirty (30) years old, shall be automatically included in the list of voters for the Katipunan ng Kabataan (KK).
May 9, 2022 National and Local Elections:
- At least eighteen (18) years of age on or before May 9, 2022 National and Local Elections;
- A resident of the Philippines for at least one (1) year and in the place wherein he/she proposes to vote, for at least six (6) months immediately preceding the May 9, 2022 National and Local Elections; and
- Not otherwise disqualified by law.