COMELEC to Start Voter's Registration on May 6, 2014 for 2016 Elections

COMELEC or Commissions on Elections will start it registration of voters for 2016 elections as early as  May 6, 2014.

Said early start of registration should be taken advantage of by the first-time voters and previously voters will have their biometrics taken for a speedier process, the COMELEC says.

One may not have to take the entire day off from work.  In fact, if one registers in the first few months, in a matter of 10 minutes, it is already done.

If work is really a hindrance for some, they would not be worrying it anymore.  Comelec will also have their offices open on Sundays to accommodate more registrants.  Offices will be open from 8 am to 5 pm and will be closed only on either Friday or Saturday.

Who may register?

1.  A Filipino citizen

2.  Not otherwise disqualified by law

3.  A resident of the Philippines for at least 1 year.

4.  Must have resided in the place, city or the municipality where he intends to vote for at least 6 months.

5.  At least 18 years of age

May a person below 18 years of age be allowed to register?

Yes, provided that on the day of the elections he must be already 18 years of age.

What to bring?

A voter should bring one valid ID, like a driver's license, government/company/school ID, or passport.  He must then register to the Comelec office of the city or municipality he wishes to vote in.

In the absence of a valid ID, can the registrant present a police clearance instead?

No.  As emphasized by the Comelec, they will not accept a police clearance since it is easy to get one.

If there are issues regarding the personal data of the registrant, what is required of him to present?

Registrants may be asked to present supporting documents like certificate of live birth or proof of billing to clear out some issues on their personal data or addresses.

What is the residency requirement for one to register in the city or municipality he wants to vote in?

The registrant must have resided in the city or municipality for at least six months prior to the registration.

What is the meaning of biometrics?

Biometrics refer to the registrant’s picture, fingerprint and signature recorded by a computer during the registration period.

Who are covered to this biometrics registration?

1.  First-Time voters

2.  Previous voters who have not taken their biometrics registration yet

What is the legal basis of registration via biometrics?

It is the Republic Act No. 10367, or the Mandatory Biometrics Registration Act.

What does this Republic Act No. 10367 state?

The law states that voters without biometric records shall be deactivated from the voters' list and thus will not be allowed to vote in 2016. 

What is this 'Walk-ah Walk-ah' initiative?

It is the initiative that will be launched by the Comelec wherein they would walk from Laoag City in Ilocos Norte to Manila, then from Manila to Sorsogon.  It will be spearheaded by Commissioner James Jimenez.  The purpose of this initiative is to drum up its voters education campaign.

Courtesy of Rose-an Jessica Dioquino/KG of GMA News.