Voters urged not to take 'shortcut' in registration

MANILA, Philippines – A former commissioner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) urged the public not to take the “shortcut” when they register to help purge double and multiple registrants from the voter’s lists.

Former Comelec commissioner and now Court of Appeals Associate Justice Teresita Dy-Liacco Flores said it has become the practice of many registered voters who transfer residence to register anew in their new place.

Flores said this results in double and multiple registrants and compromise the integrity of the registration process.

Under Section 12 of Republic Act 8189 or the Voter’s Registration Act of 1996, any registered voter who has transferred to another city or municipality “may apply with the election officer of his new residence for the transfer of his registration records.”

Any voter who had changed address in the same city or municipality shall immediately notify the election officer in writing if it involves “a change in precinct.”

The Election Registration Board must then transfer the registration record to the voter’s new poll precinct.

The Comelec is set to resume the continuing registration of voters on Dec. 2 for the 2010 elections. This will last until Dec. 15 next year.