AWARE of the mañana habit of Filipinos, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is asking the public to get registered as voters as soon as possible instead of waiting for the January 31, 2023 deadline for voter registration.
In separate statements, Comelec chairman George Garcia and spokesman John Rex Laudiangco both urged the public to get registered now.
“So that you won’t face long queues on the last days, take advantage of the opportunity to register early,” said Garcia.
“This early, we are already urging our countrymen to not wait for the final week of registration. Get registered early to avoid inconvenience,” said Laudiangco.
Nevertheless, the poll chief said Comelec field offices will be ready to handle the expected influx of registrants during the last days of the voter registration.
“Adequate plans and instructions have been given to Election Officers as part of the preparation to counter such longstanding problem,” said Garcia.
Garcia said the poll body foresees applicants peaking in the second or third week of the voter registration period as it coincides with the Christmas break.
“Come the second or third week, the numbers will peak. This is especially with many going home to their provinces to spend the holidays. Hopefully, they will take the opportunity to get registered as voters,” he said.
The voter registration period for the October 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) opened on Monday and will run until January 31, 2023.
The Comelec said it is expecting some 2 million new regular and youth voters to file their application to become registered voters.
