Youth group calls for at least a month extension for voter registration

MANILA, Philippines — A coalition of youth organizations on Thursday called for the extension of voter registration for a month, among other demands, fearing that as much as 13 million voters will be “disenfranchised.”

First Time Voters Network urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to extend voter’s registration for at least a month, extend the registration hours and allow weekend registrations, create a simplified process of revalidation of some 6.3 million delisted voters, and accommodate legitimate forms of ID to cater to first-time voters.

READ: Comelec to allow PWDs, seniors with deactivated registrations to vote in 2022

“The youth have shown their eagerness to participate in the 2022 elections,” the group said in a joint statement, noting that the Comelec already surpassed its target of four million newly-registered voters.

“With less than 50 days left before the original deadline of 30 September 2021, there could be as many as 13 million disenfranchised voters in the 2022 elections,” the group added.

The voter registration in Metro Manila were suspended under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), and other areas under modified ECQ.

Comelec, however, said they have not discussed voter registration in ECQ areas.

Senator Risa Hontiveros also echoed the sentiment of the youth groups, saying voter registration is one of the youth’s “first and greatest responsibilities.”

“The youth should decide the outcome of the 2022 elections, and that should begin by giving you the time you are promised by our laws,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

“I stand with you in calling for a significant extension for voters’ registration,” she added. “Ang daming nakataya sa parating na eleksyon.” (So much is at stake in the upcoming election.)

je