Search

Comelec objects online voters’ registration

Hanzel Ramos
Nov 14, 2020
1 min read

ONLINE VOTING. The COMELEC ruled out the option for online voter’s registration due to potential risk of fabrication in preparation for the HALALAN 2022. © Tingson

Despite the public’s plea to register online for the 2022 elections because of the threats posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) disapproves online registration due to the need to gather biometrics data.

“Ramdam po namin ang panawagan ng publiko na ‘yan. Unfortunately, especially for first time voters, ay kailangan po kasi natin ang biometrics nila,” Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez explained.

He added that the registration will only push through in regions under Modified General Community Quarantine or General Community Quarantine with a strict observance of health protocols like the wearing of face masks and face shields.

In the face of the quarantine situation, Jimenez encouraged the public to download the voters’ registration form from their website and bring it to any Comelec office to start the process of registration.

Though the ongoing lockdown protocols prohibit people below 21 years old and senior citizens to go out, Comelec clarified that eligible voters aged 18-21 and senior citizens may go to their respective Comelec’s Office of the Election Officer (OEO) and register.

The OEO is open for registrants from Tuesdays to Saturdays, including holidays, from 8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Voters’ registration will conclude in September 2021.