COMELEC

Transferring your voter registration in the Philippines is an essential process for individuals who have moved to a new address in a different barangay, city, or municipality.

By understanding this process, you can vote conveniently at the polling precinct closest to your new home, avoiding logistical challenges on election day.

By voting in the correct precinct, your voice is accurately represented in your current community, allowing local issues to be addressed by your elected representatives.

Additionally, voting in the correct precinct helps you avoid legal complications, as the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) enforces strict regulations to prevent electoral fraud.

For those considering a run for public office, being a registered voter in the appropriate precinct is a necessary requirement.

Why Transfer Voter Registration

Change of Residence to Another Barangay, City, or Municipality

If you have moved to a new address in a different barangay, city, or municipality, you need to transfer your voter registration to your current place of residence.

Promoting Accessibility and Convenience

Transferring your registration to your new address allows you to vote at the polling precinct nearest to where you live.

This reduces logistical challenges on election day.

Accurate Representation

Voting in the correct precinct provides you a voice in your current community.

In doing so, the local issues affecting you directly are addressed by your elected representatives.

Avoiding Legal Issues

Voting in a precinct where you no longer reside can lead to legal complications.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has strict regulations to prevent electoral fraud.

Eligibility for Public Office

If you ever decide to run for public office, being a registered voter in the correct precinct is a prerequisite.

Requirements

1. Completed CEF-1 Application Form: Obtain the CEF-1 form from the COMELEC office or download it from their website.
2. Valid Identification Document: Bring a valid government-issued ID to prove your identity.
3. Photocopy of the Valid ID: Provide a photocopy of the ID you are presenting as proof of identity.
4. Proof of Residency (if transferring to another city/municipality): If you are transferring your voter registration to a different city or municipality, you may need to provide proof of your current residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or barangay certification.

During the application process, you will also need to undergo biometrics capture, including having your photo, fingerprints, and signature taken by the COMELEC using their voter registration machine.

Remember, the completed CEF-1 form and valid ID are the minimum required documents. Additional proof of residency may be necessary if you are transferring to a different city or municipality.

Step-by-Step Guide for Transfer of Voter Registration

Step 1: Fill Out the Application Form

• Obtain the CEF-1 application form, which can be downloaded from the COMELEC website or picked up from your local Office of the Election Officer (OEO).
• Shade the oval beside “APPLICATION FOR TRANSFER OF REGISTRATION RECORD” and indicate whether you are transferring within the same city/municipality or from another.
• Provide your new address and the length of time you’ve resided there. Remember, you must be a resident of the place where you plan to vote for at least 6 months prior to the election.
• If transferring to another city/municipality, you’ll need to complete the personal information form on the second page of the CEF-1.
• Do not sign or affix your thumbmark on the form yet, as you’ll need to do this in front of the election officer.

Step 2: Submit the Application and Required Documents

• Visit your local COMELEC office or OEO to submit your completed application and necessary documents.
• Bring a valid ID to prove your identity, such as an employee ID, postal ID, PWD ID, student ID, senior citizen ID, driver’s license, passport, or any other valid government-issued ID.
• Your biometrics (photo, fingerprints, and signature) will be collected using the COMELEC’s voter registration machine.
• You’ll be given an acknowledgment receipt as proof that you’ve successfully filed your application for transfer of voter registration.

Step 3: Wait for Your Application Approval

• Submitting your application does not automatically mean you’re registered. The Election Registration Board (ERB) needs to approve your application during their quarterly meetings.
• The ERB meetings are held on the third Monday of April, July, October, and January each year.
• Once your application is approved, the local election officer will include your registration in the book of voters for your new locality.

Additional Tips

• Contact your local COMELEC office 2-3 weeks after an ERB hearing to inquire about the status of your application.
• You can also verify your voter registration status by calling the COMELEC’s Information Technology Department or directly inquiring with your local OEO.
• The voter registration period for the 2025 national and local elections runs from February 12, 2024, to September 30, 2024.

By following these steps, you can successfully transfer your voter’s registration to your current address and participate in the upcoming elections. Remember, your voice and vote matter, so don’t miss the opportunity to make your choice count.

How to Fill Out the CEF-1 Form

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fill out the CEF-1 Series 2022 form for voter registration:

Step 1: Fill Out the Personal Information Section

1. Full Name: Write your full name as it appears on your birth certificate or other identification documents.
2. Date of Birth: Enter your date of birth in the format YYYY-MM-DD.
3. Place of Birth: Write the name of the city or municipality where you were born.
4. Citizenship: Check the box indicating that you are a Filipino citizen.
5. Sex: Check the box indicating your gender (Male or Female).
6. Civil Status: Check the box indicating your civil status (Single, Married, Widowed, Divorced, or Separated).
7. Occupation: Write your occupation or profession.
8. Residence: Write your current address where you reside.

Step 2: Fill Out the Voter Registration Information Section

1. Voter Registration Number: Leave this blank as it will be assigned by the COMELEC.
2. Voter Registration Record: Check the box indicating that you are applying for a new voter registration record.
3. Previous Voter Registration Record: Leave this blank if you are applying for a new voter registration record. If you have a previous record, write the voter registration number.

Step 3: Fill Out the Contact Information Section

1. Contact Number: Write your contact number where you can be reached.
2. Email Address: Write your email address if you have one.

Step 4: Fill Out the Additional Information Section

1. PWD/ Senior Citizen/ Indigenous Peoples: Check the box if you belong to any of these categories.
2. Assistance Required: Check the box if you need assistance during the registration process.

Step 5: Sign and Thumbprint

1. Signature: Sign your name in the space provided.
2. Thumbprint: Leave your thumbprint in the space provided.

Step 6: Attach Required Documents

1. Valid ID: Attach a valid government-issued ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or other identification documents.
2. Proof of Residency: Attach proof of residency such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or barangay certification.

Step 7: Submit the Form

1. Submit the Form: Submit the completed form to your local COMELEC office or designated registration center.

Remember to carefully fill out the form and attach the required documents so that you’ll enjoy a smooth registration process.

Video: [2025 NLE Voter Registration] Application for Transfer of Registration Record

Registered voters who have changed residences can file an Application for Transfer of Registration Record at the Election Officer’s Office or designated Register Anywhere Program Sites. There are three types of transfer applications based on the location change: within the same City/Municipality/District, from another City/Municipality/District, or from a foreign post to a local Election Officer’s Office.

Conclusion

Keeping your voter registration updated to reflect your current residence is essential for exercising your right to vote efficiently and responsibly.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can smoothly transfer your voter registration, making your participation in the democratic process both convenient and compliant with legal standards.

Voting in the correct precinct not only simplifies election day for you but also amplifies your voice in your community, helping to address local issues through proper representation.

Stay informed, stay registered, and make your vote count.

Obtaining a Voter’s Certification in the Philippines is a straightforward process designed for individuals who have completed voter registration with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)

This certification serves as an official document that verifies one’s registration status and can be used as a valid ID for various transactions.

Primarily aimed at registered voters, this certification is particularly useful for those needing to prove their voter status for official purposes, such as passport applications.

What is a Voter’s Certificate?

Voter’s Certification is a document issued by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to registered voters in the Philippines. 

It serves as proof of one’s registration status and can be used as a valid identification document for various transactions. 

The certification is especially beneficial for those who need to prove their voter status for official purposes, such as passport applications.

Legal Basis

The legal mandate for voter’s certification in the Philippines is rooted in the Omnibus Election Code (Batas Pambansa Blg. 881) and Republic Act No. 8189, also known as “The Voter’s Registration Act of 1996.” 

These laws outline the procedures for voter registration, the issuance of voter identification, and certification.

Benefits of Getting Certified as a Voter

1. Civic Engagement: Being a registered voter enables you to participate in choosing your leaders and have a voice in the governance and future direction of the country.
2. Eligibility for Public Office: Voter registration is a prerequisite if you ever decide to run for public office.
3. Empowerment: Having a voter’s certification gives you the power to make your voice heard and influence the decisions that affect your community.
4. Proof of Voter Status: The voter’s certification serves as an official document that verifies your registration status, which can be useful for various transactions such as passport applications.
5. Free of Charge: Starting February 12, 2024, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has waived the ₱75 fee for obtaining a voter’s certification, making it accessible to all registered voters.
6. Exemptions for Vulnerable Sectors: Seniors, persons with disabilities, persons deprived of liberty, and indigenous peoples can still obtain the voter’s certification for free even before the fee waiver takes effect.

Eligibility

To register as a voter in the Philippines, you must meet the following criteria:

• Age: At least 18 years old on or before election day.
• Citizenship: Must be a Filipino citizen.
• Residency: Must have resided in the Philippines for at least one year and in the place where you intend to vote for at least six months immediately preceding the election.

COMELEC Registration Requirements

To register, you must present a valid ID that shows your photo and signature. Accepted IDs include:

• National ID (PhilSys ID)
• Driver’s license
• Passport
• SSS/GSIS/UMID card
• NBI clearance
• Barangay ID
• And others listed by COMELEC.

Make sure to have multiple forms of ID ready, in case one is not accepted.

Step-by-Step Guide to Voter’s Registration

Step 1: Visit the COMELEC Registration Venue

Locate your nearest Office of the Election Officer (OEO) or any designated “Register Anywhere Program” (RAP) venue, which includes malls, government offices, and universities.

Step 2: Present Your Requirements

At the venue, provide your valid ID and the completed voter’s registration form, which must not be signed or thumb-marked until you are in the presence of an election officer.

Step 3: Biometric Capturing

Proceed to the biometrics station where your photograph, fingerprints, and signature will be captured.

Step 4: Receive Your Acknowledgment Receipt

After biometrics, you’ll sign a logbook and receive an acknowledgment receipt. Note that this does not yet mean you are a registered voter.

Step 5: Verification by the Election Registration Board

Your application will be reviewed by the board, and once approved, you will officially be registered.

How to Get Voter’s Certificate

Since the discontinuation of the voter’s ID card in 2017, a voter’s certification has been issued in its place.

This document is recognized as a valid ID and can be obtained at your local COMELEC office for free. Before February 2024, it was offered at no cost to seniors, PWDs, and indigenous members exclusively.

1. Visit the COMELEC Office: Go to the local COMELEC office where you are registered.
2. Present a Valid ID: Show a valid ID and provide a photocopy. 
3. Pay the Processing Fee: There is a fee of PHP 75.00 to get the certificate.
4. Claim your voter’s certificate: Sign the record for receipt and claim your document. 

Recent Updates

COMELEC RAP and ACM Experience at Luneta Park

Join the Register Anywhere Program and experience the new Automated Counting Machine at the COMELEC booth in Luneta Park until 5:00 PM today. The event is part of the Independence Day celebration with voter registration ongoing until September 30, 2024.

 Special Register Anywhere Program in NCR

Qualified registrants in the National Capital Region can conveniently register at Special RAP sites without going back to their provinces. Remember to bring a valid government-issued ID for identification. Application forms are available for free at the registration sites or can be downloaded from www.comelec.gov.ph.

 Voter Education Fair at Cavite State University

Chairman George Erwin Garcia oversaw a voter education fair at Cavite State University, educating students on voting rights and responsibilities. The event included a Special Register Anywhere Program session and a demonstration of the new Automated Counting Machine. Various election officials and university staff facilitated the informative and interactive session for CSU students.

 Overseas Voter Registration Caravan

Qualified Overseas Registrants can participate in the Overseas Voter Registration Caravan by bringing a valid Philippine Passport for identification. The OVF-1 Application Form is available for free at the registration site or can be downloaded from www.comelec.gov.ph. For accurate and additional information on overseas voter registration, visit the Office for Overseas Voting PH.

 

Video: PWEDE BA MAKAKUHA NG VOTERS CERTIFICATE PAGKA TAPOS MAGPA REGISTER SA COMELEC

After registering with COMELEC, individuals can request a Voter’s Certificate for passport application purposes. The Voter’s Certificate serves as proof of voter registration and can be used for various official transactions, including passport applications.

https://youtu.be/6iVhktqLFNM 

Conclusion

The ability to vote empowers you to shape the future of the Philippines.

By following this guide, you can be sure that your voice is heard in upcoming elections.

Register early to avoid the rush and meet all deadlines.

Remember, every vote counts in molding the governance of our country.