Comelec Urges Youth to Engage in Electoral Process Through Registration

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is making a concerted effort to engage the youth in the democratic process by encouraging them to register and vote. This appeal was particularly aimed at the younger demographic, emphasizing the importance of their participation in shaping the governance and future of the nation.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the launch of the Special Satellite and Register Anywhere Project (SSARAP) at Bicol University (BU), the commission is actively promoting voter registration among young Filipinos. Garcia highlighted the fundamental democratic principle of “one person, one vote” and stressed the importance of registration as a prerequisite for voting. He underscored the collective responsibility of encouraging peers, family, and friends to register, framing it as a demonstration of good citizenship and a commitment to the country’s democratic values.

Garcia elaborated on voter registration as a crucial step in exercising suffrage rights, asserting that the success of democracy relies on collective efforts rather than being solely the concern of Comelec. He envisioned a collaborative endeavor to ensure a robust democracy in the Philippines.

Comelec-5 Regional Director Juana Valeza announced that the SSARAP initiative would take place on February 19-20 at the BU East campus gymnasium. This program aims to facilitate various voter registration activities, including new registrations, reactivations, and transfers, for the more than 30,000 students in Albay’s 15 towns and three cities.

Additionally, Garcia highlighted an initiative targeting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), anticipating the registration of at least 3 million OFWs in preparation for internet voting in the 2025 national and local elections. This move is part of Comelec’s efforts to increase accessibility and participation among the Filipino diaspora, reflecting an optimistic outlook towards achieving a higher voter turnout in the upcoming elections.