COMELEC Proclaims February 12 as National Voter's Day, Launching Voter Registration for 2025 Elections

janimonow

February 2

In a significant move to bolster democratic participation, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has declared February 12 as "National Voter's Day." This initiative coincides with the commencement of the voter registration period for the 2025 national and local elections, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's electoral process.

COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia emphasized the significance of this declaration, stating that National Voter's Day is aimed at underscoring the critical role of being a registered voter and elucidating the procedures involved in registration and the electoral process to the Filipino populace.

As part of the celebrations and to drive awareness, COMELEC offices nationwide are set to host a range of activities on February 12. These efforts are directed towards promoting and fostering an understanding of voter registration among the citizens. In a gesture to encourage participation, the issuance of Voter's Certification will be waived of charges across all offices of the Election Officers, the COMELEC National Central File Division, and the COMELEC Office for Overseas Voting, exclusively on this day.

The commission is also taking inclusive steps to ensure that voters from vulnerable sectors, including senior citizens, persons with disability, persons deprived of liberty, indigenous peoples, and members of indigenous cultural communities, receive their voter's certification free of charge, furthering the inclusivity of the electoral process.

A highlight of the initiative is the Special Register Anywhere Program, which will be available at notable locations such as Plaza Roma in Intramuros, Manila, Baclaran Church, and several other key points across the country on February 12.

In addition to these initiatives, COMELEC is set to make its presence felt at the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City on February 25 and will organize various activities in the Kalayaan Islands in Palawan, all in an effort to stimulate and encourage voter registration.

With the suspension of all proceedings related to the people's initiative, COMELEC can now channel its focus and resources solely towards the preparations for the 2025 elections. Chairman Garcia expressed a sense of relief and optimism as the commission moves forward with its pivotal task.

Simultaneously, the commission is actively engaging in the bidding process for the machines that will be employed in the upcoming election. The integrity and functionality of these machines are of paramount importance, as demonstrated by the rigorous testing of the ballot box of the lone bidder, Miru Systems, ensuring its durability and waterproof capabilities.

As COMELEC gears up for the upcoming electoral period, the establishment of National Voter's Day stands as a testament to the commission's commitment to fostering a robust and inclusive democratic process, inviting every eligible Filipino to partake in shaping the nation's future.