Zoomers, Ready to Vote next year?

Ready to make history, Gen Zers?
Next year, your generation will be voting for the very first time. Are you ready to make your vote count?

May 09, 2022 will mark a historical day for the Philippines.

Once again, the people of the nation will be given the power to choose their leaders. On this day, zoomers, such as yourself, will be voting for the very first time - and if you look at the statistics, you guys just might turn the tables around.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, coming in at 40 million, Gen Zs (aged 6-24) are the highest demographic by age group in the country. Out of the 40 million, a report by Open Data Philippines shows that 11 million Gen Zs registered, making up a fifth of the voting population in the last presidential elections.

This time, we’re expecting a higher participation rate with new voters for the 2022 polls - with Gen Zers taking an important role.

You heard it right: YOU can make or break this election.

So, why vote?

These are just some of the reasons why you should register and vote:

1. Your choice matters.

   Red pill or blue pill? What is important to you as a Filipino youth? Where do they stand on hot button issues? What are you looking for in a candidate? Your opinion matters. They will be heard if you vote for the right candidate who will lobby for the advocacies that matter to YOU.

2. The Election results will impact your daily life.

   Well, it’s not like the upcoming election is suddenly going to change our everyday lives, right? Wrong! Your votes should not be taken for granted especially since almost everything is regulated by the government. The laws they pass, projects they approve, and infrastructure they build - all of these will define what will come about in terms of your education, your health care, even the roads that you drive on. It is no understatement to say that the election results will decide what your future will look like.

3. You decide where your taxes will be spent.

   The elected representatives will decide how to finance public services with the taxes we pay. Voting for the right candidates that are genuine in their endeavors is crucial. This coming election, zoomers should strive to take an active role in choosing which path we should take for the country. It is your right to vote. As Spider-Man’s uncle Ben would put it, “With great power comes great responsibility”.

How’d you know if you’re eligible to register?

Check out our list below:

• You should be a legit Filipino citizen

• You are at least 18 years old on or before Election Day (May 9, 2022)

• You are a resident of the Philippines for at least one year and a resident of the place in which you intend to vote for at least 6 months

• You have no pending cases punishable through jail time

How can one zoomer find the time in his/her busy schedule to vote and register? We are here to help you out!

Here’s how to register as a first-time voter:

1. Visit iRehistro on the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) website. Print out a copy and fill all the necessary information. Visit your nearest active local Office of the Election Officer (OEO).

   Note: Do not sign the form just yet; this should only be done in front of an Election Officer at the COMELEC office.

2. Submit your filled out application form to the COMELEC Officer together with the other requirements. These include valid IDs, your original PSA birth certificate and photocopies of it. Wear your face mask and face shield. No mask and face shield = no registration!

3. Have your biometrics taken there.

4. The COMELEC office will now provide you with an acknowledgement receipt. Your registration is now underway!

Voter registration for the May 2022 elections ends on September 30, 2021. Set your appointment with your OEO ASAP to avoid the hassle!

Live Smart. Vote Smart.

Get to know worthwhile info about the voter registration process and review important reminders for first-time voters by visiting www.votepilipinas.com

In partnership with the Commission on Elections, Vote Pilipinas is a one-stop-site on the latest updates about voter registration and the 2022 elections.

Vote Pilipinas is an initiative spearheaded by the non-government organization Impact Hub Manila and backed by Smart to provide accessible and verifiable information to ensure that Filipinos - and zoomers like yourself - are updated with verified news on the upcoming 2022 elections.

Follow, Like, & Share our updates thru this handle: @votepilipinas.

Imagine how getting inked next year means going to the precinct to vote! Imagine your voice getting heard. Imagine your one vote helping build an entire nation.

Now that’s something we all will be looking forward to.