The Philippines is gearing up for a major shift in voter registration with the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) nationwide rollout of the Register Anywhere Program (RAP) starting February 12, 2024.
This initiative aims to break down barriers and make it easier for Filipinos to exercise their right to vote in the 2025 National and Local Elections.
What is the Register Anywhere Program?
Think of RAP as a one-stop shop for voter registration. No longer will you be confined to your local Comelec office. Under RAP, you can register to vote regardless of your current residence at designated sites across the country. The Comelec will set up their facility in these sites for convenience:
Malls - Imagine registering while grabbing groceries or catching a movie! In 2022, the Comelec conducted the pilot testing of the RAP at select malls in Metro Manila, Leyte province, and the Bicol Region.
Universities - Students can now easily register in their campuses.
Government offices - No need for extra trips, register while you're already getting errands done and transacting with a friendly civil servant.
Select church organizations and select private establishments - Comelec opted for these sites to expand the reach to even more Filipinos.
The Comelec will soon announce the participating RAP locations and schedules.
Related story:
How to find your voting precinct
Benefits of Registering Anywhere
Convenience - Register at your own pace and schedule, eliminating long lines and travel hassles.
Accessibility - RAP caters to busy professionals, students, and individuals living far from their registered address.
Increased voter turnout - By making registration easier, more Filipinos are likely to participate in the electoral process.
Strengthened democracy - A higher voter turnout leads to a more representative and inclusive government.
What can you do at a RAP site?
RAP sites will handle various voter registration needs, including:
- New registration - First-time voters can now register conveniently.
- Transfer of registration - Moving to a new location? Update your address easily.
- Overseas to local transfer - Coming back from abroad? Register to vote back home.
- Correction of entries - Fix any mistakes in your voter information.
- Change of status - Update your details if you've gotten married or changed your name.
- Reactivation - If your registration has been deactivated, you can reactivate it at a RAP site.
Important dates and reminders
RAP rollout begins on February 12.
Registration period ends on August 31.
Local Comelec office registration is from February 12 to September 30, 2024 (Mondays to Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Valid IDs
Only government-issued IDs will be accepted for registration.
Get involved and spread the word
Share this good news with your family, friends, and community. Encourage everyone to register to vote and make their voices heard in the upcoming elections. Remember, a strong democracy needs active participation from its citizens.
For more information
Comelec website: https://comelec.gov.ph/
Comelec Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/comelecwebsiteadmin/
#RegisterAnywherePH: Follow the hashtag for updates and discussions.
Let's make the nationwide RAP a success and ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in the elections and in shaping the future of the Philippines. (AVS/PIA-NCR)
