#PINNED: How voter registration for Eleksyon 2022 took me 10 minutes

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I braved the rain to register as a first time voter for Eleksyon 2022—and it was worth it. Despite the pouring rain, the turnout for a new Philippines was also outpouring.

Batches and batches of old and new registrants waited in line as a mobile Commission on Elections (COMELEC) visited the community. It was a sight for sore eyes seeing grandparents and even parents accompanying their 18-year-olds to their first voter registration.

I sat with them under tents as the cold water from the rain dripped down its poles. It was a sea of monoblock chairs and staff disinfecting each seat as each batch was led inside the site.

What are the requirements for first time voter registration?

Before leaving home, I filled out the registration form and had my government-issued ID photocopied, front and back. Do not forget to bring your own pen and sign beside your ID thrice, just in case. I also opted to place my thumbprints on the form to avoid using the same stamp pad as other registrants at the site—it is still a pandemic, you know.

How long is the voter registration process in the Philippines?

Once I arrived at the registration site, COMELEC personnel handed me a number, number 95 while they were still serving number 42. It took me a while to get inside, originally scheduled at 9:30 a.m. turned 12 p.m. You can bring a good book and bottled water, to keep you busy and hydrated.

A little waiting goes a long way, since the weather was unbearable, and the staff was minimized to the 30% maximum capacity of the registration site. Despite being understaffed, the line moved quickly once I was already inside.

Step 1: Verification of Requirements

After handing my documents to personnel, I was asked to sign my name and contact number for the acknowledgement receipt at the bottom of the form. I was then instructed to wait for my name to be called for the next step.

Step 2: Precinct Assignment

As I waited with the other registrants, I simply noticed the COMELEC staff signing our forms, moving them to the following table once they were finished. There was no need to approach the table for step 2.

Step 3: Biometrics

I was shocked that I was nearing the end of the registration process. The staff assigned to me quickly typed my details into the computer, and verified if my information was correct. The next step was to place my thumb and index fingers on the biometrics machine for scanning, after it was disinfected. Lastly, I was asked to input my signature and smile for the camera. Voila!

Step 4: Issuance of Acknowledgement Receipt

Remember what I signed for during step 1? It was cut out of the registration form and given back to me. Do not forget to keep that tiny slip of paper until election day for verification!

All of those steps only took me ten minutes! If you have not registered, you have until September 30 to do so. Fight for your future and for the right to appoint a leader who stays true to his promises and puts the Filipino people first.

Still confused on how to register to vote in your district? Visit the COMELEC website or iRehistro for more details on online voter registration. With a more efficient process, new registrants can make a difference this Eleksyon 2022.

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Aimee Lontok is a writer who got her bachelor of arts degree in journalism. She is passionate about discovering the secret gems of fashion, travel, food, art and culture—with the hope that sharing these stories will provide any reader an escape from reality.