EDITORIAL

Registering for May 2009 elections

Registration of voters is now ongoing nationwide even as there are still problems in the bidding of machines for the poll automation for the 2010 elections. According to Commission on Elections officials, the electoral body is “cleaning” voters’ master lists that involves deletion of names of dead voters as well as those who have transferred their residency.

Although voter’s registration has started in December, Comelec officials in most parts of the country admit could not yet give the percentage of voters who have registered. The Comelec says the number of “fluctuating voters” would be known between December 2009 and January 2010. Fluctuating number of voters is reportedly experienced due to several reasons including influx of new registrants, transfer of residences, people dying and voters being deactivated.

Deadline of registration is on Oct. 31 as the Comelec expects to finalize the voters’ master list by December this year or January next year. Poll automation or not, go out and register or you may lose your chance to vote for your candidates come May next year.