No more excuses for us not to vote in the National and Local Elections in 2022 as the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) makes voters' registration digital.

Through a mobile app that can be downloaded by Android smartphone users, registration for voters is sped up and streamlined to aid areas with poor internet connection.

This will save time, effort, and money of the people instead of spending it in a computer shop to download and print their application form.

The mobile app makes it easier for the user to save his or her registration in just a click.

With the pandemic still prevailing globally, the rollout for this mobile phone application reduces physical contact between the COMELEC officer and the registrant.

“Maganda na mayroon tayong innovation na ito. Kung wala ka mang internet, maaari ka pa rin makapag-download at ma-process ang iyong registration,” said Atty. Alipio Alonzo Castillo III, Provincial Elections Supervisor.

Here are the steps in accomplishing the smartphone application.

First, user must open the app, press “get started” to select the desired type of application then click on “proceed.”

Next, fill out all necessary personal information and once done, tap the “generate QR code button” and save the QR code to your phone gallery.

This QR code will be presented in the COMELEC office to finish the last step in the registration which is biometrics.

“Kailangan pa rin natin pumunta sa lokal na opisina ng COMELEC sa inyong lugar upang matapos ang inyong application,” said Castillo.

“Ang maganda pa rito, maaaring makapag-apply din kahit ilang registrants sa mobile app. Kung mayroon man tayong kasama sa bahay o pamilya na hindi pa rehistrado, maaaring gamitin ang mobile app para sa kanilang application,” he added.

With just one year left for public officials, COMELEC is aggressively encouraging non-voters to apply and be part of the national change that will take place next year.

There is power that lies in the hands of voters; that is to elect public officials who will sustain democracy in the country and who will rebuild the nation in this time of pandemic.

This kind of power can only be done when we register. (JCR/AMB/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)