NEARLY 3.5 million people have already applied to become registered voters for the May 2022 national and local polls, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Based on the latest Comelec data, there are already 3,483,298 voter registration applications filed from January 20, 2020 to May 15, 2021.
Of the total, 578,951 applications were filed prior to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, from January to March 2020.
The other 2,904,347 applicants filed between September 2020 and May 2021.
Broken down by types of applications, new applications for registration have 1,493,417; transfer from other municipality with 765,461; transfer within the same municipality with 169,648; and transfer with reactivation with 32,909.
Also, there were transfer with reactivation and correction of entries, with 12,636; transfer with correction of entries with 41,169; reactivation with 142,199; and reactivation with correction of entries with 42,489.
Completing the breakdown are change of name/correction of entries with 193,703; inclusion of record in the book of voters with 284; reinstatement of name in the list of voters with 106; and transfer from overseas voting with 10,326.
Comelec said applications may still be filed at the local Offices for Election Officers (OEOs) from Mondays to Fridays, or in satellite voter registration sites during Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To register, individuals need to acquire a voter registration form, which is available for free at Comelec offices, downloadable at comelec.gov.ph, or can be filled out online at irehistro.comelec.gov.ph, and accomplish them in triplicate.
Afterwards, the applicants need to go to the OEO in the district/city/municipality, where they intend to register, to submit the documentary requirements and have their biometrics taken.
Applicants have the option to walk in if they do not have an appointment, or book appointments for them to be prioritized.
The Comelec said the applicants will need to secure the acknowledgement receipt as proof that they have submitted their application, and wait for the Election Registration Board hearing for the approval of their application.
The voter registration period for the May 2022 national and local polls will run until September 30, 2021. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)