From App to Online: How COMELEC Modernised Voter Registration in the Philippines

The COMELEC Mobile App made headlines in 2021 as a convenient way for Filipinos to pre-fill voter registration forms ahead of Halalan 2022. While it helped simplify the process in pilot areas, the app is no longer publicly downloadable — but its legacy lives on in how the Commission on Elections is modernising voter registration for 2025 and beyond.

While the mobile app played a key role during Halalan 2022, helping citizens save time by pre-filling forms and generating QR codes, the service is no longer operational. Instead, COMELEC now encourages voters to use its official online registration portal or visit local offices for submission.

Also read: Halalan 2022: How to Register for the PH National & Local Elections

Why the Comelec Mobile App was important

Launched in June 2021, the mobile app allowed Android users to fill out registration forms using only their smartphones, reducing the time and effort needed to prepare documents before visiting local COMELEC offices. Commissioner Marlon Cascuejo described it as a timely solution amid pandemic restrictions, letting voters save on trips to COMELEC offices or computer shops.

The app was particularly useful for pre-filling personal information and generating QR codes, which voters could present at their local offices for faster processing. In some pilot areas, COMELEC also shared the app via offline channels like Bluetooth or SHAREit.

Why the app is no longer publicly available

Since Halalan 2022, the app has been phased out from public download. COMELEC prioritised its use in designated pilot areas only, and shifted to more scalable alternatives. Offline usage remains in some areas, but there is no longer a universal mobile download for voters nationwide.

Why the change?

The transition from a mobile app to an online system reflects COMELEC’s commitment to digital transformation and improving accessibility for all voters. Unlike the app, which was only available for Android users, the online portal can be accessed from any device with internet, whether a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

This update also ensures compliance with modern data privacy and security standards, while reducing the need for paper forms and long queues at local offices.

How to Register to Vote Online in 2025

1. Go to the official COMELEC Online Voter Registration portal: https://www.comelec.gov.ph/onlinevoterregistration

2. Click “Register Now”.

3. Fill in your personal information accurately.

4. Upload valid IDs and required documents.

5. Review your application.

6. Submit and wait for confirmation from your local COMELEC office.

Note: You still need to visit your local COMELEC office to complete the registration process and have your biometrics captured.

What replaced it

Today, voters can use COMELEC’s iRehistro platform to pre-fill registration forms online. Once completed, users must still submit their forms in person at COMELEC offices. This system continues the app’s goal of streamlining voter registration while expanding accessibility beyond pilot areas.

For upcoming elections, COMELEC reminds all eligible voters to check official websites or their local offices for the latest registration periods, requirements, and digital tools available.