The countdown continues for voter registrations despite the enhanced community quarantine
Related: Still Unsure About Registering To Vote? Here’s How To Get It Right!
Sen. Francis Pangilinan wants the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to extend the period for voter registration. As of June, the Comelec said that there are a total of new 60 million registered voters, a number that is far beyond their previous forecast of 4 million projected new voters for 2022. However, with just 50 days left, people who are looking to register will be hampered because of the two-week lockdown in Metro Manila.
Pangilinan called on the Comelec to do something about it. “We are in an extraordinary time. One- or two-week extension would mean more people can register to vote,” he said.
No extension
On the other hand, Comelec Commissioner, Rowena Guanzon remained firm with the September 30 deadline despite the suspension of voter registration. According to Guanzon, “We have to finish Project of Precincts in December… Voters’ names will have to be assigned to precincts.” Aside from this, the official ballots should be printed by January and it will all be dependent on the exact number of registered voters.
So it seems that an extension is impossible at this point, but Guanzon gave assurance that the Comelec is looking for ways for voters to have more time in signing up for the 2022 polls. She explained, “Next meeting we will deliberate remedial measures due to ECQ. I will propose Sunday (registration). Some commissioners suggested extended hours.”
Under suspension
According to the Comelec, here are the places where voters’ registrations are suspended from August 6 to 15: Laguna, Iloilo City and Cagayan de Oro, which are under ECQ, as well as in Cavite, Lucena City, Rizal and Iloilo province, which are under MECQ.
Voters’ registration is suspended from Aug. 6 to 20 in all the satellite registration in barangays, malls and other venues within Metro Manila.
However, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez reminded those under more relaxed community quarantine to register for 2022 elections. He said, “This is your daily reminder that bad officials are elected to office by good people who don’t vote. Where you can, while you can, #MagparehistroKa na.”
You can register to vote through Comelec’s official website.
