Voter registration
THE nationwide voter registration for the forthcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKEs) resumed yesterday, drawing cheers from the people.
The 18-day registration of voters ends on July 23, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
After the May 9 elections, registered voters go to the polls anew on December 5 to elect new village and youth council officials in the country’s close to 42,000 barangays.
That’s why the undermanned poll body wants all qualified voters to go out and register, saying its offices nationwide are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays.
A voter should be at least 18 years old on or before election day, resident of the village for at least six months immediately preceding the polls, and not otherwise disqualified by law.
SK voters, on the other hand, must be at least 15 years old but not more than 30, residing in the barangay for at least six months on or before the December 5 political exercise.
Considering the importance of the twin elections, we, like other well-meaning Filipinos, cannot overemphasize the importance of registering as a voter.
Throughout the world, Filipinos are known as “election-crazy” people, going to the polls every three years to elect new national and local government officials.
Today, there are calls to postpone anew the December 5 barangay and SK elections, saying “gamitin na lang ang budget ng eleksyon pang-ayuda sa mga mahihirap.”
However, the highly-influential League of Municipalities of the Philippines, headed by Mayor Chavit Singson of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, said the BSKEs should push through.
The articulate Mayor Singson noted that “it has been a long time since the last barangay election (was held),” adding that “it’s not good to continue without one.”
Let’s then go out and register since there is still no law postponing anew the December 5 village and SK elections.
