Mobile app to speed up voter registration process

CEBU, Philippines —  To speed up the registration process and make it more convenient, the Commission on Elections will launch a mobile application that will allow the public to register for the 2022 elections even without internet connection.

Cebu provincial election supervisor Atty. Lionel Marco Castillano said that they are looking at launching the mobile app for this purpose come July this year.

According to Castillano, the app is seen to speed up the registration process and minimize physical contact among Comelec staff and registrants, which is important in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Once you downloaded the app, pwede na nga didto naka mo-fill up sa imong application for voter registration. Ma-fill up-pan nimo tanan. A QR code will be sent sa imoha, unya that’s the time nga maka-schedule naka, imo ra tong ipa-scan ang QR code nga gi-issue didto and automatic na to nga mosulod sa among system dili na kinahanglan nga mo-fill up og voter registration records kay pag-scan ato, mogawas to siya for print out and all you have to do is file,” Castillano explained.

“Kani siya is gipapaspas lang namo ang pagrehistro nimo through kanang app nga maka-fill up sa application form but you still have to go to the Comelec para sa signature nimo hasta ang QR code. I-print out to, mo-sign ka, pagkahuman kuhaan ka og biometrics,” he clarified.

Even with the mobile app, Castillano also said that the Comelec will continue to entertain walk-in applicants who wish to register at the Comelec offices.

He said the app will be launched only to provide convenience, especially among the “millennial” voters.

The mobile registration form app may be downloaded through this link: bit.ly/MobileFromApp.

It can also be shared through android smartphones through the SHAREit app or via any file-sharing application. Once installed, the user can then apply for voter registration even without internet connection, said Castillano.

The user just needs to follow the steps and instructions that will prompt on the app.

In a press release, the Comelec said that it has started rolling out the mobile up in certain areas like Davao and Cebu. However, Castillano clarified that in Cebu, the Comelec is still waiting for the equipment to arrive in order to implement the system here.

Castillano also said that the Comelec still needs to train its computer technician for the operation of such app. – JMD (FREEMAN)