Hontiveros to Comelec: Extend voter registration period in ECQ areas

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday called on the Commission on Elections to extend the voter registration period, at least in areas affected by the 15-day enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

She noted that there is no word yet if the current deadline, September 30, will be moved.

“Sayang ‘yung period from August 6 to 20. Especially for some of our first time voters, yung iba sa kanila are not even eligible for vaccination. It is only logical to extend the voter registration period by at least two more weeks. It’s two more weeks that may prove critical for our country’s future,” she said.

Hontiveros said the challenges brought on by the pandemic must be considered as “extraordinary circumstances.”

She pointed out that the voter registration process was already stalled several times due to fears over the pandemic.

“I agree that deadlines should be observed. But, hopefully, in this case, Comelec can make one last necessary extension. Huwag naman sanang i-quarantine pati ang karapatan ng mga tao na bumoto,” she said.

“Covid-19’s Delta variant has already disrupted our communities. Let it not get in the way of our citizens’ desire to participate in the May 2022 elections,” Hontiveros said.

The post Hontiveros to Comelec: Extend voter registration period in ECQ areas first appeared on .

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)