Record-breaking number of Filipinos sign up to cast votes as registration deadline looms
In a historic and extraordinary event, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reported a remarkable surge in voter registration applications across the Philippines. Over 2.1 million Filipinos have filed applications to become registered voters, with the registration period resuming on August 1 and concluding on August 9.
The high turnout can be attributed to several factors. The upcoming national elections on May 9, 2022, for president, vice president, and senators, have motivated a large number of citizens to register so they can participate in choosing national leaders.
A significant portion of the registered voters in 2021 belonged to the 31 to 59 age group, a demographic with active political interest and likely to be involved in civic duties like voting. The election period typically triggers awareness campaigns, political engagement drives, and stronger mobilization from political parties and civil society, all encouraging voter registration.
Moreover, the Philippines uses the common voting age of 18 years, enabling a large cohort of young adults to register, especially those newly eligible to vote around this time.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia expressed his gratitude towards the more than two million individuals who joined the voter registration event. He stated, "We are pleasantly overwhelmed by the large turnout of voter registrants."
The National Capital Region recorded 156,456 applicants, Central Luzon had 220,650 applicants, Central Visayas had 144,141 applicants, and the Bicol Region had 169,378 applicants. Calabarzon, however, had the highest number of applicants after nine days with 265,957. On August 9 alone, 411,063 applicants were recorded nationwide.
This surge in voter registration applications is seen as a testament to the interest of people in casting their votes. The poll chief emphasized the importance of everyone's voice being heard, regardless of their status in life, stating that the event is an opportunity for everyone's voice to be heard.
As the 2022 elections approach, it is clear that the Filipino people are eager to exercise their right to vote and make their voices heard. The voter registration event has undoubtedly set a strong foundation for the upcoming elections.
The surge in voter registration applications in the Philippines, with over 2.1 million Filipinos filing applications to become registered voters, is a reflection of the public's eagerness for the upcoming national elections on May 9, 2022, where they can participate in choosing national leaders. The high turnout can be attributed to factors such as political engagement drives, awareness campaigns, and mobilization from political parties and civil society, all encouraging voter registration, as well as the common voting age of 18 years which enables a large cohort of young adults to register.
