Voter registration hours shortened, satellite listup suspended

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will shorten voter registration hours and suspend satellite registration due to the rising number of  COVID-19 cases in the country.

“From March 22, 2021 until April 4, 2021, all Offices of the Election Officer (OEOs) nationwide will accept applications for voter registration from Mondays to Thursdays 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M,” Comelec said in a statement Saturday night.

The issuance of voter’s certification, however, will be until 5 p.m., the poll body added.

Comelec said Fridays will be reserved for the disinfection of OEOs.

“However, in case the local government unit concerned prescribes a disinfection day other than Friday, the OEO will also be closed to the public on such day, in addition to the COMELEC-prescribed disinfection day,” it noted.

Previously, voter registration was conducted from Tuesdays to Saturdays, including holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Satellite registration suspended

According to Comelec, satellite registration sites will also be closed until further notice.

“The conduct of satellite registration in barangay halls, day care centers, covered courts and other satellite offices nationwide offices nationwide will likewise be suspended until further notice,” it said.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez reminded the public that health and safety protocols will continue to be strictly implemented in all Comelec offices.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez (INQUIRER.net file photo)

He likewise encouraged the public to accomplish their application form and set an appointment online through irehistro.comelec.gov.ph to minimize physical contact.

“Those who have prior appointments on days where voter registration is no longer conducted are advised to contact their OEO for instruction on rebooking,” he said.

The voter registration period ahead of the 2021 polls will end on September 30, 2021.

On Saturday, the Philippines logged an all-time high single-day tally of 7,999 new infections for, bringing the total of COVID-19 cases to 656,056, of which 80,642 are active cases.