Comelec to reopen nationwide voter registration on November 10 ahead of 2028 elections

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 29, 2026

Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos who have yet to register to vote will have another opportunity starting November 10, 2026, as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) resumes voter registration nationwide in preparation for the 2028 elections.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia confirmed that registration will remain open until July 30, 2027, giving eligible voters several months to complete their applications.

The registration period also covers those who need to reactivate their voter status, transfer their registration to another location, or correct personal information in their records.

Garcia announced the schedule on Wednesday, October 28, during the launch of the 7th Asian Electoral Stakeholders Forum in Makati City.

Who can apply?

The upcoming registration period will accommodate several types of voter transactions, including:

• New voter registration
• Reactivation of deactivated voter records
• Transfer of registration to another voting location
• Correction or updating of personal information

These services will allow first-time voters and previously registered voters to prepare their records ahead of the May 2028 national and local elections.

Garcia urged Filipinos to register early instead of waiting until the deadline, when registration sites may experience heavier crowds.

The Comelec is also continuing its efforts to make registration more accessible through alternative registration programs in selected locations.

However, specific schedules and participating sites may vary. Applicants are advised to check announcements from their local Comelec offices before visiting.

Millions expected to register

The poll body recorded 5,470,889 voter registration applications during its previous registration period, which ran from October 20, 2025, to May 18, 2026.

Comelec has projected that approximately three million additional voters may register during the upcoming period, potentially bringing the country’s registered voter population to around 74 million for the 2028 elections. 

The reopening follows the postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), originally scheduled for November 2026.

Under Republic Act No. 12326, the barangay and SK elections were moved to November 2028, prompting Comelec to adjust its preparations and voter registration schedule.

The extended registration period will also give the commission time to update voter lists, organize polling precincts, and complete the necessary review of registration applications before the elections.

Meanwhile, Comelec is encouraging Filipinos to review their voter records and complete any necessary updates well before the July 2027 deadline.