With everything that has happened during this pandemic and beyond, the power of one vote is emphasized time and time again as we witnessed all the victories and shortcomings of each of our elected government officials throughout the past few months, and years. As more and more people open their eyes to the reality of our nation, a louder and bolder Filipino voice has resounded over all the mess we’ve been forced to face—a rallying call to vote. And for the youth, an impassioned campaign to get everyone over the age of 18 to register in time for the 2022 national elections.

Now more than ever, young Filipinos have taken up the torch to enlighten and educate each other with, recognizing the importance of making sure the youth’s voice is heard in next year’s ballots. One of the loudest voices leading this journey is Vote Pilipinas, a passion project partnered with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) that has grown into a one-stop-site for everything one needs to know about the upcoming elections, and the registration period that precedes it.

The organization has proven to be an invaluable tool in getting more young Filipinos registered and involved, with visually-pleasing infographics, and an easy-to-navigate user interface that’s both fun and educational for virtual guests to explore. Its website contains information on registration requirements, a countdown towards the deadline, and more important updates.

According to the Vote Pilipinas, first-time registrants will need to go through these steps:

1. Download and fill out the form. Locate and visit your nearest active local Office of the Election Officer (OEO). (Do not put your signatures on the forms yet; you will do this in front of an Election Officer at the COMELEC office.)
2. Submit your filled out application form to the COMELEC Officer.
3. Get your biometrics done.
4. Receive your acknowledgement receipt and wait for the application to be approved by the Election Registration Board.

Remember to bring your own pen, wear a face mask and face shield, and drop by the nearest COMELEC office on any day from Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (for all areas under ECQ and MGCQ). Bring valid IDs, PSA Birth Certificate, and photocopies.

As the deadline for registration gets closer and closer, the campaign to get more new voters registered has also heightened. Recognizing this, Vote Pilipinas and COMELEC have launched May 2021 as the official Voter Registration Month, with several initiatives to increase the numbers of new voters even more before September 30, 2021.

Ces Rondario, Founder of Vote Pilipinas and CEO of Impact HUB Manila, shared the purpose behind Vote Pilipinas at the virtual launch joined by The POST, emphasizing the urgent need for every Filipino to involve themselves in the upcoming elections:

“When we started talking to groups, and when we started talking to like-minded individuals, what really resonated with me was the fact that everybody, at the core of what they wanted to do for the country, all wanted to participate in small ways they can. I don’t think we have a shortage of hands that [want to] work towards this, I think there is a shortage of time.. We are four and a half months away from the deadline of registration, so we hope that by launching this month, we’re able to encourage everybody to not wait until the last minute [to register],” she expressed.

Rondario also shared that this is part of a two-pronged campaign. The first of which is this promotion for registration, and the next would take off in October 2021 to encourage each and every registered voter to go out to the ballots on May 9, 2022 and vote.

Representatives from community partners The Outstanding Women in Nation’s Service (TOWNS) Incorporation were also present. Member Karino Bolasco shared the organization’s hopes for this upcoming elections, particularly to frame the right to vote as a rite of passage to responsible citizenship.

“We want to promote it as a badge of honor. Any process, nagsisimula tayo sa beginning. So if we want to raise a new generation of voters, magsisimula tayo dito sa first-time voters.”

On top of detailing the campaign’s step-by-step plan on educating first-time voters with not only registration, but the information they need to know on candidates and the voting process, she also stressed their goal to institutionalize the campaign. That is, to partner with schools to have specific months and activities that could foster young Filipinos’ excitement towards the rite of passage into adulthood, symbolized by their right to vote.

A lot more exciting projects and initiatives are set to be rolled out by Vote Pilipinas in the weeks to come for Voter Registration Month, and the organization is encouraging everyone to share it with friends, family members, and colleagues to promote involvement in the crucial months to come. Again, we only have over four months until the registration deadline, so it’s important to let everyone know they have limited time to register.

Don’t miss out on taking part in Philippine history, #MagparehistroKa.

Here’s everything you need to know: https://votepilipinas.com/#/registration-requirements