For First Time Voters, Comelec Online Tool Makes Registration Easy
Comelec late on Wednesday launched an online tool that hopes to make registration easier for first time and deactivated voters, as it races to meet its target to enlist four million new voters for the 2022 polls.
The Voter Registration Service Test is part of larger initative led by Vote Pilipinas, a group of non-partisan individuals, aiming to get more Filipinos to register and vote responsibly in next year's general elections.
"One of the problems we encounter with registration is sobrang sanga-sanga yung decision tree for registration. This tool makes it easier... We hope with this tool can help you figure out paano magparehistro and gaano kadali magparehistro," said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez.
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How the Tool Works
Its purpose is simple: it helps you figure out if you're allowed to register so you can vote, or if you need to register again or not.
The latter is particularly important as many tend to be unaware that they're voting right can get deactivated if they did not vote in the last two elections, or if they have been charged with felony and just finished serving their time.
The tool identifies the required documents needed so that registrants can come to the site prepared with as minimal contact with people as possible. It also provides the exact address and contact number of your preferred site where you can register.
"The tool is only as good as you allow it to help you," said Impact Hub Manila's Ces Rondario, founder of Vote Pilipinas, urging people to be as honest as possible when answering the tool.