Comelec blames COVID-19 for low voter registration turnout

MANILA, Philippines — Voter registration has already resumed but the Commission on Elections (Comelec) observed a low number of applicants, particularly in the National Capital Region.

Comelec records show that its offices in Metro Manila processed a total of 5,028 transactions, including registration of new voters, reinstatement in the list of voters, among others, during the first week of voter registration.

The voter registration resumed nationwide on Sept. 1, except in places still under enhanced community quarantine or modified enhanced community quarantine, as well as in places like Quezon City and Parañaque where offices had to be shut down for disinfection.

“While the interest in registering—especially among the youth—is unmistakable, there are several factors that push the numbers down,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said in his blog.

The first reason he cited was that “people are (rightfully so!) afraid of COVID-19.”

The second, he said, was the lingering suspicion among people that they won’t be allowed to go out and register. “I have yet to hear of a person arrested or even just accosted by the authorities for going out of their homes to register,” said Jimenez. INQ