The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has moved the voters' registration deadline to October 31 instead of December 15 reportedly to accommodate the preparations for the full automation of the May 2010 polls.

"The Commission resolved to move back the voters’ registration deadline to October 31 from December 15 in order to give us more time to prepare for the full automation of the 2010 elections," Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said in a statement.
Despite the earlier deadline for registration, Jimenez said that voters will be given more opportunities to register after the commission also ruled to open registration on Saturdays and holidays, mainly to encourage students and workers to register.

Before you can vote, you need to register. Here’s a step by step guide to successfully registering as a voter for the upcoming elections:

1. Bring any of the following valid identification cards:

• employee’s ID,
• postal ID,
• Students ID,
• Driver’s License,
• NBI or PNP clearance,
• Passport,
• SSS/GSIS ID, IBP ID,
• PRC license

Have a photo copy of your ID ready to be submitted to the Comelec. IDs should have name, picture and address. If you are not yet 18 but will turn 18 before the election period, bring a birth certificate. Forms should be accomplished in triplicate.

2) Head off to your local Election Officer (OEO) at your local city or municipal hall during regular office hours (read: Mondays to Fridays, from 8am to 5pm). Lately, the Comelec has opened their doors as well to Saturday registrations. It’s also good to watch out for mobile registrations in your barangay and schools.

3) Before you are given a registration form, the election officer will verify if you have registered in the past.

4) Once cleared, you will be given the CEF-1A (white form) to fill-up. You can also download your own copy from the Commission on Elections website.

5) Fill up ‘Part 1’ and hand it to the election officer, presenting your valid ID while handing over the photocopy of your ID.

6) You will be ushered to the data capturing or biometrics desk for your signature, thumb mark, and picture.

7) You will be given an acknowledgement receipt. Keep this as proof that you have registered. You will be asked to come back for your voters’ ID. –
* Based on COMELEC’s and YVote Philippines’s election registration guide. Registration for first-time voters will end on October 31, 2009.