More deactivated voters than new applicants: Comelec

THE gains from the ongoing voter registration activities are getting spoiled by the equally high number of deactivated voters, Elections chairman George Garcia said yesterday.

Garcia said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) cannot celebrate yet over the 5 million applicants for voter registration when there are 5.2 million deactivated voters across the country.

“It is unfortunate that while we have 5 million going to voter registration sites, we have 5.2 million deactivated voters,” said Garcia in an interview with reporters.

As of August 3, Comelec data shows that 5,011,815 have applied to become new voters.

Still having the highest number of applicants is Calabarzon with 833,812; followed by the National Capital Region with 669,372; and Central Luzon with 575,841.

Having the lowest number of registrants, on the other hand, is the Cordillera Administrative Region with 67,738.

Meanwhile, the Comelec said there are now 5,269,292 deactivated voters, as of July 15.

A large majority of those deactivated are those who failed to vote in two successive preceding regular elections as shown by their voting records, with 5,264,521.

Also deactivated were 3,730 who were excluded by court orders, and 1,003 who failed to validate their registration.

Garcia reiterated calls for deactivated voters to have their registration records reactivated.

“We hope that the 5.2 million (deactivated voters) will apply for reactivation. We hope they can do so before the September 30 deadline,” he said.