To prepare for the May 13, 2013 synchronized national and local elections, the Commission on Elections 6 (Comelec-6) is now cleansing its list of voters, taking into consideration possible multiple registrations, those who failed to vote in the last two elections and those who have died recently.

To note, there are close to three million voters in Western Visayas who registered in the 2010 elections.

Comelec Regional Director, Atty. Dennis Ausan said this aims to prevent discrepancies and to maintain transparency of their documents.

He added that they will also check the old registered voters whose records appear in the Voter's Registration Machine (VRM) but have no biometrics - picture, fingerprints or signature.

"These voters should have their biometrics captured at their local Comelec office," he said.

The Comelec is also open for registration of new voters, transfer of registration records, change or correction of entries in the registration records, reactivation of registration records and inclusion of registration records, and reinstatement of name in the list of voters.

Ausan said registration started May 2 last year and will end on Oct. 31, 2012.

Filing of candidacy will be on Oct. 1 - 5, 2012 while election period is from Jan. 13 to June 12, 2013.

Ausan advised applicants to personally file their forms at the nearest Comelec office during regular office hours from Monday to Saturday (inclusive of holidays) at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

QUALIFIED

Qualified applicants to register are Filipino citizens, at least 18 years old, residents of the Philippines for at least one year; and in the place wherein they intend to vote, for at least six months immediately preceding the election.

Those who have not reached the required voting age or period of residence on the day of registration but possess such qualifications on or before May 13, 2013 elections may register as voters not earlier than May 12, 2012.

Applicants must present valid identification card (ID) or document bearing their signature and photograph. In the absence of any ID, the applicants may be identified under oath by any registered voter of the precinct or by any of their relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.

The Community Tax Certificates (cedulas) or certifications/identification cards issued by any barangay official shall not be honored as valid identification documents.*