Why You Should Become a Registered Voter ASAP
Let's be honest. The present political climate in the country has been polarizing, tiresome, outrageous, and even laughable to an extent.
It is perhaps safe to say that only in the Philippines do we find a senator who would rather change the words to a line in the national anthem than aim to address the dreadful inflation, or a President who seemingly encourages killings without due process and rape, or a government official who lewdly dances on a public social site.
What a shame, really. We start to wonder if the international community even takes us seriously.
The good thing though — frankly the only glimmer of hope we’re seeing so far — is that we can do something about this sad state of our nation. Yes, we can do more than just venting on social media.
And the magic word: VOTE.
In less than a year, the midterm elections will be happening. And it can be an event that will turn things the way they should be.
However, there’s a big BUT!
We have only until the end of this week to register (if you haven’t yet).
The process is simple, really.
Just fill out the forms for voter’s registration and other election-related applications at the office of election officer in the district, city, or municipality where you live. COMELEC offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 a.m.
There are also satellite or off-site offices to make the registration more accessible to various sectors. For more information, check this list from COMELEC.
(Important reminder: To register, you must be at least 18 years old on or before May 13, 2019 when elections will be held; a resident of the Philippines for at least a year; and a resident of the place where you intend to vote for at least six months.)
Be sure to bring a valid government ID for verification. Also note your TIN as this detail will be needed in the application form.
And... well, that’s it!
You can just go SL for a day, if work is a concern. Register for about an hour and you may have the rest of the day to yourself. Or, take half-a-day off.
If you need a bit more convincing, here are some reasons why you must make time to register.
1. It gives you the power to create change.
You may think you’re a nobody in the bigger scheme of things, but that one vote counts!
In fact, in 2016, there was a tie in the polls for the mayoralty of Bocaue, Bulacan. Imagine what a single vote could do to dictate the results of the elections.
2. You're paying taxes.
Do you cringe and cry whenever you see your payslip? That big chunk of moolah deducted in your take-home pay, called tax, is often too painful to let go of. But it cannot be avoided.
So let’s make sure that those bucks go to the pockets of well-deserved officials who can make the country proud. After all, our officials represent us as a nation.
3. If you don't register now, you will not be qualified to vote (if ever) on the proposed Charter Change.
These are major changes that will set the course of our history if approved. You cannot NOT have a say on this.
4. You are weighed down by faults in the system, and you want these issues addressed.
Traffic? Inflation? Be sure you vote for someone who will do something about this, someone whose political stand you agree with.
Also, since you’ve voted — and may perhaps elect an erring official — you can complain with integrity and demand good service.
5. It is your right.
Not everyone CAN vote. Think about your nephews and nieces, or your little sibs. Do you want them to grow in a country that teaches them to twist the rule of law and to ignore human rights?