Voter registration for 2013 Barangay Elections – July 22 to 31
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will once again receive applications for new voters’ registration for the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections from July 22 to 31. The barangay and SK polls are scheduled to be held on October 28 according to COMELEC Resolution 9715.
After it, the poll body has until September 13 to finalize the voters’ list. According to the Voters Registration Act of 1996 or Republic Act (RA) 8189, Filipinos who are at least 18 years of age, and who shall have resided in the Philippines for at least one year, and in the place wherein they propose to vote, for at least six (6) months immediately preceding the election may register as a voter. For example, if you are planning to register in Batasan Hills, Quezon City, you should have living in that community since April, 2013.
Prospective new voters can register during the above mentioned days in the nearest local COMELEC office (usually this is in your provincial or municipal hall). The COMELEC usually requires the applicant to show one valid identification card, though it will be more prudent to bring another one plus your birth certificate. Also, don’t forget to photocopy all of those documents in advance so you won’t have to leave the pila.
To know more about voter eligibility rules as well as the requirements for deactivated voters and those who have transferred their place of registration, please visit this link.
The rules for voters in the SK elections are slightly different. According to RA 9164, only those that are 15 years old but are less than 18 years old can participate here. They should also be residing in the barangay where they are seeking to be registered for the past six months. As has been reported, there are persistent efforts in Congress to have the entire SK system abolished.
The Filipino Scribe joins the COMELEC in enjoining all eligible Filipinos to register for the upcoming barangay and SK polls. Exercise your right to take part in the democracy!
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