by Angelika Mari Martinez

As of October 31, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) recorded the highest number of registered voters, at 58,363, in the history of elections in Los Baños.
However, as of October 9, there were just 54,159 registered voters. This means that around 4,000 more flocked the registration precincts within three weeks.
The registration of voters started last May 6, 2014 and ended on October 31, 2015. The general elections will happen on May 9, 2016 and will include the election of new national,
provincial, and municipal leaders.

Based on Republic Act No. 10367 of the Philippine Constitution, registered voters should have their biometrics recorded in the COMELEC database. Failure to do so will result to deactivation of the voter’s registration and being omitted from the masterlist of voters.

Compared to the voters’ registration last 2013, the number of people who registered this
election escalated due to the presidential elections. According to Randy Banzuela, Los Baños election officer, the people’s desire to elect a president and the constant
information drive and promotions of the Los Baños COMELEC office contributed to the high number of registered voters.

“Hindi siya nakaka-hassle,” said Alex Tamis, an 18-year old resident of Barangay San Antonio and a newly registered voter. COMELEC-Los Baños held satellite registrations in every barangay for four Saturdays and Sundays prior to October 2015. Voter registration precincts were established in the town’s 14 barangays. A precinct was also set up at the Robinsons Mall along Lopez Avenue on August 22, 23, 29, and 30. Satellite registrations ended on the last Saturday and Sunday of September.

Information dissemination on voter registration was also strengthened through posters,
social media, and talks. On October 20, a Voter’s Education Seminar was held in NCAS Auditorium of UP Los Baños. Banzuela took part as a speaker. He gave a talk on responsible voting for the upcoming 2016 elections. “Be involved and participate” was his message.