The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has announced the resumption of voter registration, which will run until July 30, 2027. The 2028 elections are just around the corner, and if you’re still not registered, this is the perfect time to proudly wear your “I’m a voter!” badge. Contrary to what you might think, it’s not that hard either. Here’s how:

First things first: Are you eligible to vote?

Before preparing the necessary documents, make sure you meet the basic voter registration requirements. For the 2028 national and local elections, you must:

• Be a Filipino citizen.
• Be at least 18 years old on or before election day.
• Have lived in the Philippines for at least one year.
• Have lived in the city or municipality where you intend to vote for at least six months immediately before the elections.

If you meet these requirements and haven’t registered before, you can apply as a first-time voter. 

What documents do you need to bring?

Picture this: you’ve applied your sunscreen, you’re wearing the comfiest outfit known to man, and you’re ready to brave the long lines. But you brought the wrong document. Now, that’s an absolute bummer.

Save yourself the extra commute and prepare an accepted identification document beforehand. COMELEC lists the following among the accepted IDs and documents:

• National ID card under the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys)
• Digital National ID (presented via the eGovPH App)
• Postal ID card
• PWD ID Card
• Student’s ID card or library card (with the applicant’s name, photograph, and address)
• Senior Citizen ID card
• Land Transportation Office (LTO) Driver’s License/Student Permit
• National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance
• Philippine Passport
• Social Security System (SSS)/Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) or other Unified Multi-Purpose ID card
• Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID card
• License issued by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC)
• Certificate of Confirmation issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in case of members of ICCs or IPs
• Any other government-issued valid IDs

REMINDER: A barangay certificate of residency and community tax certificate (cedula) aren’t accepted as valid identification documents for voter registration.

The step-by-step registration process for first-time voters

Step 1: Accomplish your registration/application form

You can download the registration/application form (Revised CEF1-Registration Form) from the official COMELEC website beforehand or get a copy on-site.

If you choose to fill out the form ahead of time, don’t sign or affix your thumbmark yet. You’ll do that directly in front of the authorized election officer.

Step 2: Visit your local COMELEC office or satellite hub

Head over to the COMELEC office in the municipality or city where you intend to vote. If you’re really busy, keep an eye out for COMELEC’s Special Registration Anywhere and Anytime Program (RAP) pop-ups in select shopping malls, universities, airports, and transport terminals to register on the spot. 

These will be announced throughout the voter registration period through COMELEC’s social media pages.

Step 3: Submit your documents and undergo biometrics

During your visit, the authorized election officer will verify your identity, residence, and registration status. You’ll also need to have your biometrics captured, including your photo, digital signature, and thumbprints.

After you file your application, you should receive an acknowledgment receipt as proof that you submitted it. So, just in case you tend to be a bit scatterbrained, keep your acknowledgment receipt and other relevant documents somewhere safe.

Don’t wait until the last minute!

The announced registration period gives eligible Filipinos several months to submit their applications, but that doesn’t mean you should save the task for the final week.

Registering early gives you more time to address missing documents, clarify your registration status, or resolve application issues. It also helps you avoid the rush that happens as a deadline approaches. And while you’re at it, encourage your friends and family members who are eligible but not yet registered to check the requirements or voting status, too.

For the latest announcements, application forms, and registration guidelines, check out COMELEC’s official website and social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

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