What to do: An election officer checks if you're not registered in other localities using the National Listing of Registered Voters. If you're cleared, fill out the Application for Registration form (the white one). Then, sign the logbook for COMELEC reference.
Freshen up while waiting for your name to be called, because they'll be taking your photo. Next is a biometric scan of your ring finger and thumb. "The biometrics machine was not sensitive enough. I tried about three times per finger which could've slowed the line had I registered at a later time," Lopez says.
Despite the biometrics technology, old school ink might still stain your fingers since the white forms require fingerprints.
What to remember: Do not leave without getting your acknowledgment receipt, which will prove you are a registered voter. Rock Ed's Gang Badoy suggests posting the receipt which looks "thinner and less significant in appearance than parking tickets" on a corkboard so you won't lose it. Also, don't worry if your name doesn't come up in COMELEC's online registration verification because their record only includes voters who registered until June 17.
Unfortunately, the government will issue most voters' IDs after the 2010 elections. "Given that the voter's ID is not a requirement to vote, the COMELEC has stopped printing the IDs so it can focus in preparations for the 2010 polls," COMELEC spokesman James Jimenez told Inquirer.net.
"I registered way back for the 2007 elections and I still don't have my voter's ID. When I registered, the officers said there was already a backlog," returning voter Denise Fontanilla says.
