Voter Registration Guide 2023: Tips to Follow to Avoid Hustle

Are you a first-time voter and want to exercise your rights as a Filipino citizen? Then, start with registering yourself as a voter in COMELEC. 

Based on the recent data recorded by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), there are over 63 million registered voters in the Philippines as of 2022. However, almost 3 million voters were deactivated due to failure of voting participation for two (2) consecutive elections. But, it was also predicted that there will be almost 4 million potential voters in 2023. These are young individuals who just turned 18 and people who could not register for the last national elections.

Now that the 2023 Barangay and SK elections are set, all Filipino citizens are encouraged to register as voters. If you haven’t been registered or have an account deactivated, check out this simple guide for a hassle-free registration process.

All You Need to Know About Voter Registration

Voter registration is one of the many privileges of Filipino citizens to participate in choosing their preferred government official through national and local elections. The registration process is headed by the COMELEC through its main office and satellite offices nationwide. Voters can also register anywhere at selected malls, such as SM Mall of Asia (Pasay City), SM Fairview, Robinsons Malls, and many others.

According to COMELEC Chairman George Garcia, the registration period started on December 12, 2022, and will end on January 31, 2023. All COMELEC offices are open from Mondays to Saturdays, 8 AM to 5 PM, including holidays. Besides registration for first-time voters, they will also cater to the following applications:

• Reactivation
• Transfer of records
• Change or correction of entries and;
• Transfer of registration from overseas to local.

Eligibility Requirements for Voter’s Registration

If you meet the following qualifications, you can register as a voter in the Philippines.

1. Qualifications for Regular Voters

A regular voter can exercise the right to vote during local and national elections, including the barangay elections. You must be:

• Filipino citizen who has not been registered with COMELEC
• At least 18 years old before the incoming election
• At least one (1) year living in the Philippines or six (6) months barangay resident before the incoming election.

2. Voter’s Qualifications for Sangguniang Kabataan Elections

Young individuals who want to start their voter journey can register to vote for the upcoming Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections. However, SK voters are also allowed to vote in local and national elections and barangay elections. You must be:

• Filipino citizen who has not been registered with COMELEC
• At least 18 years old but not over 30 years old before the incoming SK election
• A barangay resident for at least six (6) months

When is 2023 Barangay and SK Elections?

Based on the signed Republic Act 11935, the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections will take place on October 10, 2023. President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. postponed the supposed to be December poll and imposed new measures for the voting process since the pandemic is still a threat to the Filipino people. 

Step-by-step Guide on COMELEC Voter Registration

Before going to COMELEC for voter registration, prepare the documents needed. This includes your valid ID, such as a government-issued ID (UMID/driver's license/PRC/Senior Citizen's ID, etc.). Other valid IDs accepted are National ID, Philhealth ID, and Company ID with an official signature of your employer or authorized representative.

You must also submit a PSA Birth certificate, PSA Marriage certificate or Order by the Civil Registrar for married women, and a barangay certificate as supporting documents.

It is also essential to know the COVID-19 safety protocols implemented by COMELEC. For assurance, bring your own pen and alcohol or sanitizer, wear a face mask, and don’t proceed if you have flu-like symptoms. Lastly, download and print the voter registration form if you have a printer at home.

Now, avoid long queues and going back and forth to the COMELEC office with this step-by-step guide for voter registration.

1. Visit the nearest COMELEC office.

Know where the COMELEC offices are located in your area. Check out their official website or social media accounts for announcements. You can also ask your barangay officials to know COMELEC’s satellite offices.

2. Present the requirements needed.

Follow the COMELEC’s safety protocol upon entering the area and get your priority number. If you don’t have an application form for voter registration, you can get one from the information desk officer. Prepare your requirements and check if you have brought them all. Review your voter registration form to determine unfilled-up information details. 

Once your number is called, present all requirements along with your accomplished registration form. Wait for the designated election officer to review your application before going to the next process.

3. Proceed to Biometrics Capture Area.

If your application is correct and well-detailed, proceed to the capture area for biometrics. They will have your photo taken; then, you’ll undergo fingerprint scanning. Once all fingerprints are scanned, you’ll be asked to sign on a digital signature pad.

If all biometrics are completely captured, you’ll be asked to review all your details and biometrics to check and confirm that all the information is correct. So, ensure you review them well to avoid voting problems in the future.

 4. Get your acknowledgment receipt.

Once you confirm, the designated officer will request you to write your name and signature on their logbook for the issuance of acknowledgment receipt. This will serve as your reference that you have successfully undergone the registration process.

 5. Check your voter status online.

Note that the application you have submitted has yet to be approved. It will undergo evaluation and approval via Election Registration Board. Thus, you are not yet fully a registered voter. To check your voter status, you can visit COMELEC’s official site through the Precinct Finder. You can also visit COMELEC main office or contact them via email or phone.

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