By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Occidental will launch the Register Anywhere Program (RAP) on February 23, as voter registration for the 2025 midterm elections begins on Monday, February 12.

Comelec-Negros Occidental elections supervisor, Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria said the RAP will be launched at a mall in Bacolod City.

According to Ananoria, the program aims to provide convenience for applicants as they can register at any Comelec office.

Unlike past registrations, there is no need to return to their permanent address to register.

Election officers from local government units in Negros Occidental will accommodate inquiries or clarifications from registrants during the RAP.

The Comelec also added that the RAP will be conducted in all municipalities and highly-urbanized cities nationwide for registration, status reactivation, or transfer of registration due to change of address.

The poll body will observe the RAP to determine its impact on voters, and if it effectively attracts a higher turnout of registrants.

The Comelec also reminded applicants to bring government-issued IDs during the registration, as company IDs are no longer accepted.

A barangay clearance with the registrant’s photo and permanent address will now be accepted./DGB, WDJ