(Eagle News) — A solon is pushing for a shift to voter registration through online means, following the suspension of voter registration activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In pushing for Senate Bill No. 1516, Senator Joel Villanueva said “we must adjust to the times that we have.”
“Not only does it make it more convenient for people to register, it will also help improve the data-keeping efforts of the commission,” Villanueva said.
According to Villanueva, if the immediate implementation of the automated, online system cannot be done in the short-term, the bill allows for an online application verification system where prospective voters would submit their requirements online.
After reviewing, the Comelec can either prompt the prospective voter to submit additional requirements or issue other steps necessary for the completion of the application, the bill said.
“Creating an online platform will help lighten the burden of Comelec to process applications manually, and our people can be a registered voter right in the comfort and safety of our homes,” Villanueva added.
The Comelec has suspended all registration activities nationwide until June 30.