The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Quezon City Districts, will be conducting a satellite voter registration for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in SM North EDSA on Saturday, May 26, 2012. This part of the Luzon leg of its voter registration drive for PWDs.

“The COMELEC is determined to empower PWDs nationwide by ensuring their right to suffrage,” said Commissioner Rene V. Sarmiento, who also shared that satellite registrations for PWD voters have also been launched in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Guide on Voters Registration and Updating of Records for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)

Who may register?

PWD who is:

• A Filipino citizen
• At least 18 years of age
• Resident of the Philippines for at least 1 year and in the place wherein he proposes to vote, for at least 6 months immediately preceding the election.

Any person who has not reached the required voting age or period of residence on the day of registration but will possess such qualifications on election day may register as a voter.

Who may update their records?

A PWD who has previously registered but who has not indicated the type of disability, or who may have developed/manifested such disability after having been registered.

The PWD shall then be allowed to update their registration record and to indicate the type of assistance they need during the election day by accomplishing the supplementary data in the Certification/Attestation by Assistor Form.

When is the period for filing registration?

Registration period is until October 31, 2012.

Where to file registration?

At the Office of the Election Officer which has jurisdiction of the place where you are residing or in satellite registration sites as announced by your local COMELEC Office. (SM North EDSA on Saturday, May 26, 2012)

The office of the EO shall provide express lane and give priority/preferential treatment to PWDs, elderly, detainees and pregnant applicants.

What document to bring?

One valid identification card (ID):

• current employee's ID
• postal ID
• Student's ID/library card
• Senior Citizen's ID
• Driver's License
• NBI/PNP clearance
• Passport
• SSS/GSIS ID
• Any other valid ID

In certain cases, other documents like birth certificate (for new registrants) and proof of billing to establish residency may also be asked.

In case a valid ID cannot be presented, the applicant may be identified under oath by any registered voter of the precinct, or by any of his relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.

Who may assist a PWD in accomplishing his application form?

A PWD who cannot himself accomplish an application for registration shall be assisted by any of the following in the preparation of his application form:

• Election Officer (EO);
• Member of an accredited citizen's arm;
• Relative within the fourth level civil degree of consanguinity or affinity; or
• Any person of his confidence who belongs to the same household.

In no case shall an assistor assist more than three (3) times except the EO. All assistors must be of voting age.