Halalan 2022: How to Register for the PH National & Local Elections

In the midst of all the election buzz, we’re sure some of you might be thinking the following: (1) How can I register for Halalan 2022? (2) If I registered to vote for the past elections, do I have to register again?

Fret not, because you still have a good amount of time. Registration for the 2022 National and Local Elections resumed on 1 Sep 2020 nationwide, and will run until 30 Sep 2021. For areas under ECQ or MECQ, registration is suspended until quarantine measures are downgraded to GCQ or MGCQ, or are totally lifted.

UPDATE as of 29 Sep 2021: Registration for local voters has been extended and will take place between 11 to 30 Oct 2021, from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. As an exception, registration services will also be open on Saturday, 30 Oct.

On the other hand, overseas voters may register from 1 to 14 Oct 2021.

How to register for Halalan 2022

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty, here are a few things to note about registering for the 2022 elections:

• Voter registration is accommodated from Tuesday to Saturday, including holidays. (Monday is disinfection day.)
• Schedule for voter registration is from 8am to 5pm at the office of your designated COMELEC office.
• Express lanes will be made available for members of vulnerable sectors, such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant women.
• No face mask and face shield, no registration.
• COMELEC offices will conduct daily disinfection and decontamination.

Where to register

Depending on where you live, you may choose from one of two options:

1. Make an appointment at your assigned COMELEC office. You may check the list of COMELEC field offices in NCR here, and the list of regional offices here. 
2. Register at your barangay’s designated satellite registration office, if available. You can get in touch with your barangay or your area’s assigned COMELEC office for more information.

Online voter’s registration now available

As of 23 Nov 2020, the Commission on Elections has made online registration possible via their new platform, iRehistro. On 15 Jun 2021, they also launched the COMELEC Mobile App.

Take note, however, that these online facilities will only allow you to virtually submit your application form. The COMELEC emphasises that this does not mean your application will be automatically approved, nor will it instantly make you a registered voter.

After filling up the forms on iRehistro or the mobile app, registrants are still required to make a personal appearance before their local COMELEC office, together with printed online applications forms (3 copies) for QR scanning and biometrics.

For more information on iRehistro, click here.

Who is eligible to vote during the upcoming National and Local Elections?

To be a registered voter, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Filipino citizen
• At least 18 years old on or before the 9 May 2022 National and Local Elections
• A resident of the Philippines for at least one year and in the place wherein he/she proposes to vote, for at least six months immediately preceding the 2022 elections
• Not otherwise disqualified by law

Note from the COMELEC: “Any person who has not reached the required voting age or period of residence on the day of registration but will possess such qualifications on or before the 9 May 2022 National and Local Elections, may register as a voter. However, the reception of their applications shall commence only on 10 May 2021 (at least one year prior to election day).”

Documents to prepare for voter registration

1. Registration forms
   • Head to the official COMELEC website and download the necessary forms, which include the CEF-1 form and coronavirus self declaration form. PWDs and indigenous peoples will also have to fill up supplemental data forms. For easy access to the registration forms, click on this link.
   • Fill out all information EXCEPT the spaces for signatures and thumbprints, as these must be accomplished in front of your COMELEC officer.
2. Valid ID
   • Employee identification card with signature of employer or authorised representative
   • Postal ID
   • PWD discount ID
   • Student’s ID or library card, signed by the school authority
   • Senior Citizen’s ID
   • Driver’s license
   • NBI clearance
   • Passport
   • SSS/GSIS ID
   • Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
   • License issued by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC)
   • Certificate of Confirmation Issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in case of members of ICCs or IPs
   • Any other valid ID
3. Photocopy of your valid ID

Halalan 2022 registration process

1. Prepare everything you’ll need:
   • Filled out registration forms (with spaces for signature and thumbprints left blank)
   • Valid ID and photocopy of ID
   • Face mask and face shield
   • Ballpen
   • Alcohol or hand sanitiser
2. Head to your designated COMELEC office or satellite office.
3. Fill out contact tracing forms.
4. Have your application reviewed by an electoral officer. You will sign your forms in front of him or her.
5. Your application will be entered into the Election Registration Board’s (ERB) system. Once ready, proceed to biometrics capturing (photo taking, signing, and fingerprinting).
6. Collect your stub or acknowledgement receipt, and keep it in a safe place.

I already registered and voted during past elections — do I have to register again?

No. If you are a registered and active voter, you will not need to register again. However, if you registered several elections ago and have not been exercising your right to vote, it would be a good idea to double check whether your registration record is still active.

For more information, visit the Republic of the Philippines Commission on Elections’ official website and Facebook page.

Featured image credit: twinsterphoto via Canva Pro