Tired of graft, corruption and red tape? Register!

Senator Bam Aquino encourages the three million youth voters to register so they can exercise their constitutional right to suffrage and be an instrument of change in the country’s political system.

“Don’t waste your right to vote. This is one way you can effect positive change in the country’s political system,” said Aquino, chairman of the Committee on Youth.

Aquino said new registrants have 17 months or from May 6, 2014 to October 31, 2015 to register and be counted for the 2016 national and local elections.

“In 2016, you will play an important part in selecting next president and other leaders who will chart the country’s course. Don’t waste this opportunity,” the senator said.

At the same time, Aquino called on the 9.6 million registered voters who have no biometric data to update their records with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) during the registration period so they can vote in 2016.

According to Republic Act No. 10367, or the Mandatory Biometrics Registration Act, a voter without biometric record will be removed from the list and will not be able to vote in the next election.

The senator also encouraged local officials to assist the Comelec’s efforts in the registration of voters by providing transportation to their constituents living in far-flung areas.

However, Aquino said local officials should bring their constituents to the Comelec office early and not wait on the last day to avoid chaos.

Aquino reminded new registrants to bring one valid ID, like a driver’s license, and any government, company, school ID or passport.

He also reminded registrants that Comelec offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be closed only on either Friday or Saturday.