The next Philippine elections is arriving soon and if you are planning to vote, be sure that you are a duly registered voter. And if you happen to be a Filipino citizen who is working overseas, don’t worry because there is an online facility where you can apply for registration. The iRehistro online application form for voting.
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Recently, the Philippine Commission on Elections (Comelec) relaunched the iRehistro online facility for local as well as overseas Filipinos who plan to vote during the May 2022 national and local elections. The voter registration period started last September 1, 2020, and will continue until September 30, 2021, according to a report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Overseas Filipino Voters Can Register via iRehistro
Through a press release last August, Comelec announced that Filipinos who will be abroad from April 9 to May 9, 2022 can now register as overseas voters. So if you are a Filipino citizen, at least 18 years of age by May 9, 2022, and living abroad — you can apply for registration (for first-time voters) or reactivation (for those who have already registered but are not active voters).
As mandated by the Overseas Voting Act (R.A. 9189, as amended by R.A. 10590), Filipino citizens abroad can exercise their right to vote. The registration and voting process is overseen by the Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV), an office of Comelec.
Upon registration, there is an in-house Election Registration Board (ERB) that will approve or disapprove applications. As for the voting process itself, this is usually held at Philippine embassies, consulates, and other foreign service establishments authorized by Comelec. It may also be held in mobile voting centers or field voting centers for a limited period during elections.
What is the iRehistro Online Facility?
Basically, iRehistro is an online platform where Filipinos can accomplish the Voter’s Registration Application Form before they go to the embassy, consulate, or any other registration venue. Keep in mind that you will still need to make a personal appearance to complete your registration.
While this is not an entirely online process, applying via iRehistro will certainly help reduce the processing and waiting time, while keeping you safe since social distancing would be practiced.
How can I Register via iRehistro?
To apply for registration via iRehistro, simply follow these steps:
- Go to the iRehistro website and click on the link: “Online Application Form for Voter Registration for Overseas Applicants.”
- Select the type of application you are filing. The options given are as follows: (a) Registration (for new or first-time voters); (b) Transfer of Registration Record; (c) Reactivation of Registration Record; (d) Change of Name due to Marriage or Court Order/Correction of Entries in the Voter’s Registration Record; (e) Reinstatement of Name in the List of Voters; (f) Change of Address (for those within the same post and country); and (g) Updating of Photograph and/or Signature.
- Fill up the online application form. Enter your name, date of birth, place of birth, gender, civil status, citizenship details, address, and other information.
- Select a preferred schedule/appointment with the embassy, consulate, or registration venue for submitting your application form and having your biometrics captured.
- You will receive a generated PDF document containing your registered information form and a QR Code. Print three (3) copies of this document and bring it with you on the date of your appointment at the embassy, consulate, or registration venue.
Is Personal Appearance Needed?
As mentioned earlier… yes, personal appearance at the embassy, consulate, or registration venue is still needed, aside from the online registration. “Take note that using this online facility only attempts to facilitate the process of accomplishment of the Application Form,” the iRehistro website states. “It does not automatically mean approval of your application.”
On the date of your appointment, be sure to bring the printed application form with QR code, along with your valid passport. At the venue, your biometrics (i.e. fingerprints, face photo) will be captured as part of the filing process. After this, the in-house Election Registration Board (ERB) will review all applications for approval, before eventually releasing the official List of Voters.
Additional Reminders for Voter Applicants
- If you are living abroad, or if you are going to be outside the Philippines during the May 2022 national and local elections, be sure to register as an overseas voter. The current voter’s registration period started last September 1, 2020 and will end on September 30, 2021. Don’t forget to apply for registration… the earlier, the better!
- Already registered but not sure if your voter’s record is still active? Take note that if you did not vote for the past two (2) consecutive national elections, your record will be removed from the List of Voters. Hence, you will need to re-register in order to have it reactivated again.
- Wear the proper attire. On the date of your appointment at the embassy, consulate, or registration venue, make sure that you are properly dressed. Avoid shorts, sandos, sleeveless or see-through tops, and wear covered shoes or sandals instead of slippers/flipflops.
- Follow instructions. Being a government office, the embassy or consulate implements rules/guidelines for everyone’s safety and security. Be sure to follow these rules at all times.
So there you have it! If you are an overseas Filipino worker who is planning to vote in the next elections, make sure that you are registered, and that your voter’s record is still active. Fortunately, the iRehistro facility makes the process easier, while keeping us safe amid the current pandemic.
Notably, the iRehistro platform is available for local applicants, too. Wherever you may be in the Philippines, you can apply for voter’s registration online, fill up the application form, and set an appointment with the nearest Comelec office for submission and biometrics capture.
DISCLAIMER: The above guide is presented for information-sharing purposes only. If you would like to learn more about how to apply for voter registration using the iRehistro online facility, please visit the official website of the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Likewise, if you have any questions, comments, and suggestions about the facility, you can send an email to irehistro@comelec.gov.ph. Don’t forget to state your name, place of registration, and other relevant details for faster processing.
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