Registrations of the next elections started last January 1, 2020, but were halted because of the quarantine issuance last March 9, 2020. But right now, the Commission on Elections opened the registration again last September 1, 2020.
Who are Entitled to Vote
So are you qualified to vote? To be able to register, you must be:
- A Filipino Citizen
- At 18 years old
- At least a resident for 1 year
- A Resident of the place where you intend to vote for at least 6 months
There are cases where you are not allowed to vote. You can’t vote if:
- Sentenced by final judgment to suffer imprisonment for at least 1 year
- Adjudged by final judgment for committing any crime of disloyalty to the government or against national security
- Declared insane or incompetent by a competent authority
For OFWs, you can also vote by virtue of the R.A. 9189 Overseas Absentee Voting Act as long as you’re not disqualified by law and at least 18 years old.
Voter Turnout
For the last 2019 election, 61,843,750 were registered with a voter’s turnout of roughly 75-78%. These numbers are considered high compared to other countries.
But we can do better. Whether you’re satisfied or not with the current government, we should all vote.
If you’re on the fence, here are 5 compelling reasons why you should vote this coming election:
You Have to Protect the Taxes You Pay
As remote workers, businessmen, office-based workers, or someone who just pays taxes in the Philippines, we should protect our money. We put in our blood, sweat, and tears in our livelihood; you don’t want someone to mismanage funds for their own benefit.
Exercising your right to vote puts people you trust in power. You want to protect the taxes you pay. Whether big or small, it’s not just money. It represents all our hopes and dreams. And the Filipino people have the right to enjoy the fruits of our labor.
Giving Up Your Voice
Our government officials speak for us. They embody our beliefs and stand on different aspects of our lives. Those who are elected represent our voices. And we deserve to be heard.
When you don’t vote, you throw away this right. By default, you are silenced! It’s in election time that we show that the Filipinos can shout their voice, and it will resonate.
Every Vote Counts
You might think 60 million votes is enough. Why vote if you can only cast one? I tell you every vote counts. Countless times in history, winning a government position depended on a few crucial votes.
In the Philippines, the battle for the house representative position between Harlin Abayon and Raul Daza was dictated with just 52 votes.
And you’ll never know when it can happen again. One thing is for sure, though, you can prevent it by exercising your right to vote!
Our Votes are Truly Equal
Let’s face it. The disparity between the rich and the poor is quite glaring. The poor are now getting poorer while the rich are experiencing otherwise.
It’s even apparent during the pandemic where roughly 27 Million Filipinos are left jobless. We are all facing the same storm. But some are riding their private yachts, and some are drowning helplessly.
Everyone should be given access to the right opportunities to uplift their livelihood. There is no equality in our society except for your vote. A wealthy and a struggling person only have their votes counted as one.
Your vote counts as one.
By voting, we are exercising or truly equal rights. It might not matter to you directly. But it would mean a lot to those who are struggling.
You Want Change
Whether you like what’s happening or not in the country, your vote can dictate the outcome during the next couple of years.
If you are happy, then your vote should express it. If you want to change, your vote should express it.
Elections are the only time that the people in power are at our mercy. So be sure to make the most out of it.
COMELEC Registration Process
By Comelec Resolution No. 10674, the voter’s registration will continue except in areas under ECQ or MECQ. It’s relatively easy to register.
- Download the Application form. Fill out 3 copies without affixing your signature yet.
- Pass the form at the Office of the Election Officer (OEO), the local COMELEC office.
- You need to bring a Valid ID with a photograph and signature.
- Your identity and residence will be verified.
- Your biometric signature will be taken.
- You will be given an acknowledgement receipt.
- Of course, you should still practice social distancing rules, and wear your face masks and face shields.
That’s it! Now, you are ready to vote this coming May 9, 2022 Elections. We will update you if there are changes in the registration process or if an online option becomes available.
Let’s exercise our right to vote in the coming 2022 presidential elections! Cheers!
