Paul Tucker
Updated on: October 15, 2024 7:38 pm GMT
As the clock ticks down to the deadline, potential voters in the Philippines are rushing to register with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the May 2025 elections. Today marks the final day for voter registration, and Comelec officials predict a significant influx of applicants as the deadline approaches. With no possibility for extensions, this is a crucial moment for those wanting to make their voices heard in the upcoming elections.
Last Call for Voter Registration
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia reiterated that today, September 30, is the cut-off date for voter registration. “No more extension. We have already provided enough time; otherwise, it will affect our timeline,” he stated. Garcia emphasized the importance of adhering to the deadline to ensure a smooth process leading up to the elections.
The registration period began on February 12 and has seen a steady stream of applicants. As of September 19, the Comelec reported that 6,442,112 individuals had applied to register, a figure that includes over 3 million new voters. This influx can be attributed to the tendency of Filipinos to procrastinate, a phenomenon referred to as “last-day syndrome.”
Key Registration Statistics
Here’s a breakdown of the registration statistics leading up to the deadline:
- Total applications as of September 19: 6,442,112
- New voters: 3 million
- Reactivated voters: approximately 100,000
- Deactivated voters pending reactivation: 5.3 million
- Total registered voters: 66 million
- Projected voters for 2025: 70 to 71 million
Voters are placed on the deactivated list if they fail to participate in two consecutive elections. There are also several other reasons that can lead to removal from the voting list, including court decisions.
The Process of Activation
Although many have filled out registration forms, it is essential to note that this does not guarantee automatic registration. The Election Registration Board (ERB) for each city or municipality is responsible for approving or denying applications. After the registration period closes, the ERB will conduct hearings to finalize the list of registered voters.
Overseas Voter Registration
The deadline also applies to Filipinos living abroad, who were given the opportunity to register as overseas voters starting on December 9, 2022. Garcia reported that approximately 1.18 million applications had been submitted from overseas, with the registered number of overseas voters expected to reach about 1.486 million for the 2025 elections.
With the registration window closing, Comelec has set up systems to accommodate the expected surge in applications. They are ready with augmentation teams and have set specific procedures for today. If individuals are still waiting in line past 3 p.m., election assistants will record their names. Each name will be called out three times in order of listing, and any applicant not present when called will not be allowed to register.
Technology and Future Registration
Looking ahead, Garcia mentioned plans to conduct a comprehensive review of the voters’ list post-2025 elections. The Comelec has proposed using new technologies, such as iris scanning and facial recognition, to improve the registration process and ensure the integrity of the voter list. If approved by Congress, this new registration effort would take around three months to complete.
Garcia believes that implementing these advanced technologies will help tackle the longstanding issues of double or multiple registration, which is currently managed through the Automated Fingerprint Identification System.
Conclusion
As voter registration closes today, Comelec remains firm on its decision not to extend the deadline. With over 6.4 million applications already processed, it is a pivotal day for many Filipinos eager to voice their opinions in the upcoming elections. Those looking to register must act quickly as the clock runs out. The steps taken today will lay the groundwork for a democratic process that many hope will bring about meaningful change. Every vote matters, and registering is the first step in making a difference in the Philippines’ democratic landscape.
To learn more about how to vote and what you need to do to register, check out the official Comelec website.
