Voter Registration Suspended Until 31 Aug 2020

Many of us were anticipating voter registration activities to resume after today, 30 Jun 2020. However, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) just announced earlier that we will have to wait until 31 Aug for its resumption.

“The suspension was previously set only until June 30 but was extended for more months in view of the still rising number of COVID-19 cases nationwide,” COMELEC Spokesperson James Jimenez said in a press release.

“Our field personnel continue to outfit their existing offices and procure supplies in order to be COVID-19 ready. We are continuously refining our guidelines and health safety protocols so that we do not contribute to the further spread of the virus,” Jimenez added.

The voter registration period for the May 2022 elections started last 20 Jan.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the COMELEC decided to suspend its activities from 9 Mar to 1 Apr. Due to the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the agency extended the suspension of voter registration activities to 30 Jun. This would be the third time that the COMELEC extends the suspension since 9 Mar.

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Registered voters may now claim voter’s certification

Meanwhile, registered voters are now eligible to secure a voter’s certification from their respective Offices of the Election Officer (OEOs). All OEOs in areas of the Philippines under general community quarantine (GCQ) or modified GCQ are now operating.

“The Commission En Banc has promulgated new protocols in the process of securing a Voter’s Certification which institutionalize the new normal,” Jimenez previously stated.

According to the COMELEC website, OEOs are now in a new normal set-up: installation of glass windows, hand sanitation stations, daily disinfection of common areas, and other preventive measures are now being practised in said offices.

The COMELEC also reminds voters to wear a face mask before entering the OEOs. Those without face masks will not be allowed to enter the premises.

Senior citizens, persons with disabilities, members of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs), and residents of Mindanao may claim their certification for free.

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For more information, check out the official COMELEC website.