• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Register Anywhere Program (RAP) of the Commission on Elections for next year’s midterm elections will end this Aug. 31.
The RAP, launched in February this year, allows Filipinos to register to vote at various convenient locations nationwide, including in malls, universities, government offices, and selected private establishments, unlike before when one has to go back to his/her hometown and register in their local Comelec office.
In Bacolod, the Comelec has been accepting RAP applications during satellite registrations in malls, the latest of which was at Ayala Malls Capitol Central last week.
The RAP targets new registrants, transferring voters, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) looking to vote locally, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, the Comelec said, adding an applicant is required to present any government-issued ID with photo and signature, and proof of address, like a utility bill or a barangay certification that can prove residency.
“The RAP aims to ensure that every eligible Filipino voter has the chance to exercise their voting rights, overcoming traditional barriers, such as geographic limitations and the inconvenience of visiting local Comelec offices,” the Comelec said in a statement as it urged eligible voters to take advantage of the program.
This initiative is a significant leap towards increasing voter registration and participation, and to make the registration process more accessible and efficient for everyone, it added.
Meanwhile, the deadline for the nationwide voter registration for the May 2025 polls is on Sept. 30, and the Comelec is urging those eligible to register now and not wait for the last day. | CGC
