Register Now, Vote Later

By Ma. Cristina Miranda

Photo by Aramaine Balon / The Red Chronicles

One common reason why some people don’t vote in elections is that they believe their single vote doesn’t matter. History, however, shows that this is not the case, particularly in presidential elections.

Voting has been a practical method for a group of people to come to an agreement. Voting means speaking up, making your voice known, and ultimately, making a real difference for future generations.

The Philippines is a democratic state. We are essentially free people who have been granted the right to vote. It is only fair that we exercise this right, more so when it comes to electing a leader of the country.

In the last 2016 presidential elections, the Commissions on Elections (COMELEC) recorded 54,363,844 registered voters nationwide and 1,376,067 registered Filipino overseas — 81% have turned out on the election day, a significant amount of people and a record-breaking ratio for our first automated elections in the country.

These figures, while remarkable, will have less of an impact if a large number of individuals don’t participate in the elections, let alone register to vote.

Registration is recognition

Photo by Aramaine Balon / The Red Chronicles

Turning 18 is more than just “adulting”; it’s about being an adult and becoming eligible for a number of things, one of which is voting in elections.

In owning land, you must register your certificate of title with the Register of Deeds to make it known to the world that you hold title to the land and that anyone who contests that has the burden of proving otherwise. You have the right, as a registered owner, to evict parties who are illegally occupying your land.

As with marriage, although non-registration of a marriage certificate does not render the marriage null and void, the registration makes it easier for one to establish that you and your spouse are, in fact, married to each other, especially when it comes to specific requirements such as for work, passport, visa, and so on.

The registration process is just the first step in exercising your right to vote. You might not realize it now, but your vote could break a tie, widen the gap, and eventually elect a candidate who will bring about positive changes in our country.

Youth vote

Photo by Aramaine Balon / The Red Chronicles

The internet has played a significant role in the formation of today’s youth, which is largely composed of Millennials and Gen Z. It has helped us in accomplishing a series of tasks, whether it’s for school, work, or leisure. We have social media to communicate, as well as express ourselves in the most creative way. It should come as no surprise that different personalities, particularly politicians, are using this as a means to reach out to a larger audience. It has become a ploy to get people’s attention, especially given that the national elections are only several months away.

“Because information is easily available online, today’s youth are socially and politically aware. Because of that, everyone can share their opinion on social media,” expressed Jandeil Roperos, National President of the National Union of the Students of the Philippines (NUSP).

The COMELEC has now surpassed its original target of registering 4 million first-time voters. With this substantial number of new voters, we could expect a neck-and-neck race among candidates.

Young voters are brave, wise, and outspoken. They understand that whoever wins this presidential election will have a huge impact on their lives, not only in the next six years but also in the decades ahead.

How to register

Given the circumstances, COMELEC has opened satellite offices to facilitate voter registration for the 2022 elections. According to the most recent polling data, they have already surpassed their 59-million target, with over 61 million registered voters, 1.2 million newly registered voters, and 816,183 first-time voters.

In accordance with our automated elections and to process more applications, the COMELEC has launched its online registration, which you can access through iRehistro, an online accomplishment of forms for Voter Registration. (https://irehistro.comelec.gov.ph/cef1)

You can use this form to apply for registration, transfer of registration record, reactivation of registration record, change your name due to marriage or court order, or request to correct entries in the Voter’s Registration Record, and include your records in the Book of Voters or reinstate your name in the list of voters.

Enter your information and make sure that everything is correct and accurate according to your National Statistics Office certificate.

Double-check your information and ensure that you’ve correctly selected the province, city or municipality, and barangay of your residence to determine the exact place to complete your registration. When you’re done, you can schedule a Biometrics Capture appointment.

Then, from the Calendar that appears after the preceding steps, choose your preferred date and time schedule.

You can also register without submitting an online form; however, those with appointments will be given preference over walk-in applicants.

Given the sudden changes in quarantine regulations, the COMELEC has adapted ways to accommodate more applications in the coming weeks, as voter registration is only open until September 30, 2021.

Don’t pass up this opportunity to make your voices be heard. It’s our civic duty to exercise our right to vote so let’s make the most out of it.

Mask up, sanitize and practice social distancing. We’re only several months away from the election.Time flies by fast, and so does poor leadership; if only we would show up, vote, and choose leaders who are sincere and intellectually capable of serving and defending our country once and for all. ∎