3 Reasons to Vote in the 2022 Elections

Many political conversations are ignited by the youth on social media, and understandably so since the national elections are happening on May 9, 2022. But how many of these online voices are converted into actual registered voters? Social media is full of concerned individuals but the matter should also be handled through action. It should extend to the actual casting of votes which is what will dictate the future society you will be navigating in the next few years. So here are three reasons to vote in the 2022 elections to drive these voices to be converted into registered voters.

It affects everyone.

The thing with elections is that regardless of whether you like the elected candidate or not, it will affect you for six long years. Voting may seem like a minute effort from afar, but your individual effort can make a change when it’s collected and combined with the efforts of people like you. You’ve heard this before: our vote is our power. A power that gives them authority; something that we can easily take back just as how we gave it.

Ever watched Marvel films? If yes, then you must’ve known how their anthologized efforts have made them win over Thanos in the end. Because doing so means caring for the future you will soon be navigating. So abstain from abstaining from voting.

Your voice matters.

In every election, every single one has a voice. A democratic country is led by its people, or at least that’s how it should be. We’re the foundation of this nation and our voices should be heard and considered. So let the kind of nation you want to live in be known. They listen (or at least they should), and the universe certainly does, too.

Did you know that according to the Article V of the 1935 Philippine Constitution, only qualified men aged 21 are allowed to vote? That’s the case unless women file a plebiscite to extend the suffrage to them. With that in mind, over 440,000 qualified Filipina voters signed the plebiscite which led to the extension of suffrage to women in the Philippines. Filipinas fought for suffrage twice and won that fight twice. We have the privilege to vote right now and we think it’s just right that we take advantage of that to create a better future for all of us.

Registration has never been easier.

Many processes have transitioned from IRL to digital in the pandemic, just like the process of voter’s registration.

According to the Commission on Elections, any Filipino citizen can register to vote if they are:

1. At least 18 years old on or before May 9, 2022;
2. Residing in the Philippines for at least a 1 year and residing in the municipality they want to vote in for at least 6 months before the elections; and
3. Not disqualified by law.

Upon registration, citizens are required to bring any valid identification documents such as a school ID, driver’s license, passport, Philippine Identification Card (PhilID), and NBI Clearance, among others. Other accepted valid documents can be found here. And prior to the application, applicants must fill out the registration form, a supplementary data form (only for persons with disabilities and indigenous people), and a health declaration form—all of which can be downloaded, printed, and filled out at home so that you will not be spending much time in your local COMELEC office. You may get the files here. Registration ends on September 30, so make sure you block off your calendars or bullet journals!

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There are battles we should no longer fight for because our ancestors have already fought it for us. What we need to do now is to live up to the battles they have won and make their sacrifices worth it. Hence, register to vote and let your opinions be out in the open in the 2022 elections. Don’t let it stay in social media because it’s not real life.

Art by Gab Tresvalles