How to register as a voter in the time of pandemic

0 Comments

#PinkyPromisePH. Eligible youth voters registered for the first time during a satellite voter registration organized by +iMPACT Leadership in 2019 at Brgy. San Antonio, Quezon City.

There are only 7 months left before voter registration for the May 2022 National and Local Elections ends on September 30, 2021. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, voter registration resumed on September 1, 2020, with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) institutionalizing health and safety standards under the “new normal”. Except in areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) or modified ECQ (MECQ), here is how you can register as a voter amid the pandemic:

Download the necessary forms

There are 3 forms needed: 1) the Registration/Application Form (CEF 1), 2) Supplementary Data Form (Annex B), and 3) Coronavirus Self Declaration Form. These forms can be downloaded from the COMELEC website’s Application Forms page. If the website is down, they can also be downloaded from COMELEC Spokesperson James Jimenez’ personal website.

Forms may also be accomplished using the iRehistro web app.

Print the Application Form (CEF 1) on a long bond paper (8″ x 13″). The form must be printed back to back.

Fill out all the required fields in the application form but do not sign or affix your thumb mark on the application form yet. It must be signed before the Election Officer or an Authorized COMELEC Representative.

Set an appointment for biometrics capture and form submission

People who accomplish iRehistro forms may set an appointment. Those with appointments are given priority over walk-in applicants. You can also make an appointment through your local COMELEC office’s Facebook page. If you are registered or intending to register in Metro Manila, you may find your COMELEC office on Uncle James’ website.

Registration can now be done from Tuesdays to Saturdays, including holidays, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

What to remember at the COMELEC office

Registrants should wear face masks and shields while in the premises of COMELEC offices. Pursuant to COMELEC Resolution No. 10674, there shall be a “No Face Mask and Shield-No Registration” policy.

Before entering the local COMELEC office, registrants should pass through the foot bath installed at the entrance of their local COMELEC offices.

If possible, bring your own ball pen and strictly observe physical distancing from other registrants.

Sanitize your hands with alcohol or alcohol-based sanitizer before and after signing the signature pad and imprinting their thumbprints in the fingerprint scanner.

After form submission, QR scanning, and biometrics capture, congratulations you have just completed the filing process!

The Election Registration Board (ERB) still has to approve your application on the scheduled date for the next ERB hearing.

For now, keep your acknowledgment receipt in a safe place, and get to know the issues and possible candidates to have an informed vote this coming election.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *