The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced today that it has started accepting applications for registration during Saturdays and Holidays.

“Starting today COMELEC offices in 1,516 cities and municipalities nationwide will accept applications for registration every Saturdays and Holidays in order to encourage more students and workers to register as voters for the 2010 elections,” said COMELEC spokesman James Jimenez.

The COMELEC on February 12, 2009 promulgated Resolution 8585 which opened voters’ registration on Saturdays and holidays in order accommodate the student and worker registrants.

Donna Tolentino, 19, came to the COMELEC Manila office today to register. She says the opening of voters’ registration during Saturdays and Holidays will surely benefit students like her who have no time to register during weekdays.

“Para sa akin mas maganda na puwede na magparehistro ng Sabado kasi ‘yung iba pong estudyante hindi nakakapag-parehistro ng Monday to Friday kasi may pasok,” said Tolentino, a first year student at Informatics. She added that this move from the poll body would definitely encourage wider voter participation among the youth and students.

Jimenez further said that aside from additional registration days, Resolution 8585 also stated that those who have not yet reached the required voting age (18 years old)  but will be turning 18 on or before election day (May 10, 2010) may register starting today.###

Posted: 06.15.2009 LTO, Updated: 01.20.2012 JJSH