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The national elections will take place on May 9, 2022. That's not too far considering how time seemingly flies faster than normal in these pandemic times.

This is why the Commission on Elections or Comelec has decided to extend the voter registration window to accommodate more people.

Comelec offices are now open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including holidays.

“So wala na kayong excuses diyan mga bata, 'yung magiging 18 years old sa May 9, 2022 or before May 9, magregister na kayo please. Kaya ginawa itong Saturday registration, para talaga sa inyo,” Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said in a video message posted on Twitter.

Prior to the extension, a total of 1,117,528 new voters registered in various Comelec offices around the country.

That number fell short of the 4 million new voters that the commission was eyeing at the start of the registration after the lockdown.

How to register

Go to www.irehistrocomelec.gov.ph and fill up the application form.

After completing iRehistro, go to the Office of the Election Officer (OEO)--depending on your set appointment--where you are registered or intending to register to personally submit your application form. Further instructions shall be discussed with you by the OEO.

You can also go to www.comelec.gov.ph to download the forms for printing. Fill up the required details on the forms. Do not sign or affix your thumb mark on the forms. This needs to be done in the presence of a Comelec officer at the Comelec office in the city where you are eligible to register and vote.

Check by either personally visiting or contacting by phone or online the Comelec office in your city to inquire about their scheduling schedule and process. This is especially applicable for those who didn't take the iRehistro option.

Go to the Comelec office on the date of your appointment. Make sure to bring the following:

• All the filled-up forms. Take note that there are a health declaration form and supplementary form for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and indigenous people.
• Original and photocopy of any of the following valid ID: postal ID, SSS or GSIS ID, senior ID, student's ID or library card signed by a school official, NBI clearance, driver's license, PWD discount ID, employer's identification card signed by the employer or authorized representative, passport, Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID, Professional Regulatory Commission license, and Certificate of Confirmation issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in case members of ICCs or IPs.
• Bring your own ballpen and wear a face mask and face shield. Don't forget alcohol or hand sanitizer, and water to keep you hydrated.

Your application forms will then be reviewed by the Comelec officer before you sign them.

The Comelec officer will log your application into the system.

Your photo will be taken and will be asked for your digital signature and fingerprints.

The Comelec officer will then detach a stub in the form. This will serve as your acknowledgment receipt and they might also write the precinct number where you will go come election time.

The deadline for registration is on September 30, 2021.

Don't forget to register and exercise your right to vote mga Kapuso!

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