Voter's registration reopens from Oct. 11 to 30. Here’s what you should know before lining up
Missed out on registering to vote last September? You still have a chance to sign up so you can participate in the upcoming 2022 national elections this October.
Voter's registration reopened Monday, Oct. 11—after closing for a week for the filing of certificates of candidacy—until Oct. 30. On social media, photos of some registration areas with long queues of would-be voters have already surfaced.
Unlike before, Comelec offices and satellite registration sites will only be open from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. The only Saturday the poll body will accept voter applicants is on Oct. 30, the last day of the registration period.
Before voter registration resumed, Comelec shared a few reminders on its Facebook page for applicants:
- Voter's registration is suspended in areas under enhanced community quarantine and will resume once lockdown status is downgraded
- Certain malls will only cater to residents or transferees in their coverage area
- There are a limited number of slots per day for walk-ins and online applicants ranging from 200 to 500 slots (depending on where you're going to register).
- Application forms are available at the booths or you can accomplish them online at comelec.gov.ph or irehistro.comelec.gov.ph.
- Bring a valid ID (original and photocopy) and your own ballpen.
SM Supermalls also shared an updated list of registration centers, their schedules, and the corresponding districts and cities each site can accommodate.
The voter registration period was extended after President Rodrigo Duterte signed the bill Congress passed which would move the deadline for a month.
Before Comelec extended the registration period, voter applicants flocked to registration sites as the Sept. 30 deadline came to a close. Sites across Metro Manila saw an influx of walk-ins lining up as early as 3 AM only to be sent home. Netizens who shared their experience online also posted about the multiple times they attempted to register but failed.
"Avail the extension. Huwag naman natin hintayin ulit na kung saan 'yung deadline, doon tayo magpaparehistro," Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas previously advised.
In September, Comelec announced that there are already 62 million registered voters in the country.