Voter registrations resume on September 1 – Comelec

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced Saturday that voter registrations would resume on September 1, 2020.

However, areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified ECQ could resume its voter registrations once quarantine status is either downgraded to GCQ or if quarantine is lifted entirely, according to Comelec Resolution No. 10674, promulgated on August 12, 2020.

ADVERTISEMENT

The resolution added voter registration would be automatically suspended if an area is placed under ECQ or MECQ.

Those who want to register could submit their applications at the Office of the Election Officer (OEO) from Tuesday to Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., according to Resolution No. 10674.

“As the Comelec reopens voter registration, we are encouraging applicants to download the application forms from www.comelec.gov.ph,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said.

ADVERTISEMENT

However, Jimenez also reminded the public not to sign the downloaded forms.

“It is strongly recommended that downloaded forms be filled out before going to the Comelec office for registration,” Jimenez said, noting that “the forms should be signed only in front of the Election Officer, at the Comelec office.”

Other COVID-19 health protocols such as observing physical distancing, wearing face masks and face shields, limiting the number of people inside offices, and bringing own pens would be implemented.

ADVERTISEMENT

Also read: Former Comelec chair Sixto Brillantes dies of COVID-19

Voter registrations resume on September 1 – Comelec

“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,” Jimenez added.

“Persons exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 infection will not be allowed to enter the Office, and will be advised to seek medical assistance,” he said.

Meanwhile, Comelec offices would also provide express lanes for the vulnerable sectors, which include senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women.

Comelec offices would also conduct daily disinfection and decontamination in their premises, furniture and equipment, voter registrations machine and peripherals, and other frequently touched surfaces.

As of August 16, the Philippines recorded a total of 161, 253 cases with 112,586 recoveries, and 2,665 fatalities.

Of the 3,420 reported new cases, 2,745 (80%) occurred within the last 14 days (August 3 – 16, 2020). The top regions with cases in the last two weeks were NCR (1,594 or 58%), Region 4A (619 or 23%), and Region 7 (86 or 3%).