Comelec open to conduct satellite registrations for 2017 barangay polls

The Commission on Elections is encouraging interested parties to request for satellite registrations to boost the number of voters in the October 2017 barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

The poll body said it is open to receiving calls for the conduct of satellite registration activities in preparation for the said elections later this year.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said any party can make the request, subject to the recommendation of the local election officer and upon the approval of the regional election directors and provincial election supervisors.

“Election officers are mandated to intensify satellite registration activities and establish satellite offices for the reception of applications under Comelec resolution number 10166,” he stressed.

Jimenez explained that satellite registration activities may be held in places other than barangay halls.

These may be also established in public or private schools, commercial establishments, detention centers, jails, or resettlement areas, areas with indigenous communities, and other public places.

To request for satellite registration, an interested party must submit a request letter to the local election officer, stating the proposed schedule and venue.

The number of prospective voters in the proposed venue should not be less than 200.

The venue should not be owned, leased or occupied by any incumbent official or anyone related to an incumbent up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, or a leader of a political party.

The Comelec added that the requesting party should provide the transportation of Comelec personnel, forms and other supplies.

Satellite registrations may still be conducted until April 29, 2017 except on April 13 and 14, from Mondays to Saturdays.

It may be recalled that the poll body has resumed its voter registration for the October 23, 2017 local elections since November last year, which will run until April 29, 2017.

To boost its registration efforts, the Comelec is also conducting satellite registration activities all over the country to reach other voters.

So far, the poll body has received 490,892 applications in its satellite registration activities.