Comelec: Register so you can vote in 2007

Qualified voters were urged yesterday to register at the nearest Commission on Elections (Comelec) office so they can vote in next year’s elections.

Milagros Desamito, Comelec Education and Information Department director, said registration started on May 16 last year and is set to end on Dec. 31, 2006.

The registration is being conducted pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 7463, promulgated in April 2005, she said.

Qualified voters are advised to go to the Office of the Election Officer (OEO) at the city or municipal hall between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Qualified to register are those aged 18 years or older, who have been residents of the Philippines for at least one year, and of the locality where they intend to vote for at least six months on or before election day.

Applicants must bring at least one valid identification card which may be any of the following: current employee’s ID bearing the signature of the employer, student ID or library card, postal ID, senior citizen’s ID, driver’s license, clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation or Philippine National Police, passport, Social Security System or Government Service Insurance System ID, Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID, or Professional Regulations Commission license.

Under the Constitution, citizens who have reached the age of 18 can vote.

However, they have to register with the Comelec before they can exercise their right of suffrage.

For inquiries, the public can contact the local Comelec offices or the Comelec Hotline at 525-9345, 525-9295, 525-9334, 525-9335, 525-9302 and 525-9296. –Sheila Crisostomo