Voter registration cut-off countdown starts

CEBU, Philippines - The countdown has started for the remaining days until the deadline for voter’s registration on October 31 this year with the launching of the “Final Countdown for First-Time Voters” yesterday.

The First Time Voters Network (FTV) in partnership with the Sangguniang Kabataan of Cebu City gathered at the Cebu City Sports Center yesterday for the launching of its renewed advocacy to register, educate and mobilize first-time voters to participate in the 2010 elections.

The final countdown campaign is dubbed as “Cebuano Ko! Responsable, Morehistro!”

It aims to inform youth voters that there are only 175 days to go before the deadline of the registration period on October 31.

Yesterday, a ceremonial thumb marking participated by SK chairpersons in Cebu City was held to signify their commitment to the said advocacy.

Barangay Bulacao SK chairman Vince Sasuman said that the commitment of the SK Federation of Cebu City will be shown through the information caravan that the SK will hold in different barangays orienting youth voters on how to go with the registration process and the importance of having themselves registered.

Ailee Tejano, FTV director for Cebu, said that their campaign is very significant and relevant to the future of the country.

Tejano said there are about nine million first-time voters expected to vote in the coming election.

“These nine million voters can definitely make a difference in the election. We are intensifying our campaign because we have learned that as of now, only 9,000 plus have registered in the North District Comelec,” Tejano said.

FTV partnered with the SK to intensify information dissemination among first-time voters or youth in their respective areas.

Tejano said that the countdown will be announced by radio, television and print.

FTV and SK will distribute leaflets and flyers about the registration process and organize off-site registrations especially in mountain barangays that have little access to Commission of Elections offices.

FTV wishes to inform the public especially their target group of citizens that the registration is ongoing in each municipality’s Comelec office, Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Those who can register are those 18 years old and above. They must either present a school ID, library or employee’s ID with picture, NBI clearance, Postal ID or passport.

“We have the right to vote but we cannot exercise that right if we will not register ourselves,” Tejano said.

Tejano said that after October, FTV’s campaign will shift focus from registration to voter’s education where first-time voters will be taught about how to choose the right candidate to vote. – Jessica Ann R. Pareja/BRP (THE FREEMAN)