Voter registration resumes on September 1

After a 5-month suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced that voter registration will resume on September 1.

Comelec Resolution No. 10674, promulgated on Wednesday, August 12, states that voter registration will continue nationwide, except in areas under “enhanced community quarantine” (ECQ) or modified ECQ (MECQ).

Voter registration in areas that are currently under ECQ and MECQ will resume once the quarantine status is downgraded to general community quarantine (GCQ) or modified GCQ (MGCQ) or if quarantine is lifted entirely.

Registration in areas that are not currently under quarantine will be suspended if the quarantine status is changed to ECQ or MECQ.

Applications for registration may be submitted from Tuesday to Saturday, from 8 am to 3 pm at the Office of the Election Officer.

Applicants are encouraged to download the application forms on the Comelec website and fill them up before going to the Comelec office. Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez also reminded the public to only sign these downloaded forms in front of the election officer at the Comelec office.

In a release dated Saturday, August 15, the Comelec said they will implement the following precautionary measures as registration opens to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• A limited number of people will be allowed inside Comelec offices to ensure physical distancing
• Applicants are required to wear face masks and face shields.
• Applicants are encouraged to bring their own pens
• Applicants will be required to fill out a “coronavirus self-declaration form,” which discloses information related to travel, contact with people with known COVID-19 infections, symptoms being experienced. People with symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to enter Comelec offices and will be advised to seek medical assistance.
• Senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women will be provided an express lane
• Comelec offices nationwide will conduct daily disinfection and decontamination of premises, voter registration machine and peripherals, furniture and equipment, and other frequently touched surfaces

Voter registration began on January 20 and was supposed to run until September 30, 2021. It was suspended on March 9 due to the pandemic. – Rappler.com