Can You Get a Voter’s Certification If You Last Voted in the 2022 Elections?

Introduction

In the Philippine electoral system, voter certification serves as an official document issued by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) that verifies an individual's registration status as a voter. This certification is often required for various purposes, such as employment, travel abroad, or compliance with certain legal or administrative requirements. It typically includes details like the voter's name, precinct assignment, and voting history. The question of whether one can obtain such a certification if their last voting participation was in the 2022 national elections hinges on the status of their voter registration under Philippine law. As of 2025, with the electoral landscape having evolved since 2022, it is essential to examine the relevant legal frameworks, potential grounds for deactivation, and procedural steps for obtaining or reactivating certification.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the topic, drawing from key statutes such as the Omnibus Election Code (Batas Pambansa Blg. 881), the Voter's Registration Act of 1996 (Republic Act No. 8189), and subsequent COMELEC resolutions. It addresses eligibility, deactivation risks, reactivation processes, and practical considerations for voters whose last electoral participation was in May 2022.

Legal Basis for Voter Certification

Voter certification in the Philippines is governed primarily by Republic Act No. 8189, which outlines the system of continuing registration of voters. Section 8 of RA 8189 mandates that every registered voter shall be issued a Voter's Identification Card (ID), but in practice, COMELEC also issues certifications upon request as an interim or supplementary document, especially since the full rollout of Voter's IDs has faced delays.

The certification confirms that the individual is a duly registered voter with an active status. Under COMELEC rules, such as Resolution No. 10635 (Guidelines on the Issuance of Certifications), any registered voter may request a certification of registration or voting record from the Office of the Election Officer (OEO) in their city or municipality. The fee for this is typically minimal, around PHP 75 to 100, and it can be obtained in person or, in some cases, through authorized representatives.

Importantly, the certification is only issuable if the voter's registration is active. If the registration has been deactivated or cancelled, the individual must first undergo reactivation or re-registration before qualifying for certification.

Impact of Last Voting in 2022 on Registration Status

The 2022 elections were the national and local elections held on May 9, 2022, where Filipinos elected the President, Vice President, senators, congressmen, and local officials. Participation in these elections constitutes a "vote" that keeps a registration active, provided no subsequent deactivation grounds apply.

Under Section 27 of RA 8189, a voter's registration may be deactivated for several reasons, including:

1. Failure to Vote in Two Successive Regular Elections: This is the most relevant ground for voters who last participated in 2022. "Regular elections" refer to national, local, and barangay elections, as clarified in COMELEC Resolution No. 10011 and subsequent issuances. Special elections, plebiscites, or recalls do not count toward this requirement.

   • Since 2022, the next regular election was the October 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections.
   • The subsequent one would be the May 2025 National and Local Elections (midterms).

   If a voter participated in 2022 but failed to vote in 2023, this counts as one instance of non-participation. Deactivation only occurs after two successive failures. Therefore, as of December 2025, a voter who last voted in 2022 and skipped 2023 would still have an active registration, assuming they voted or plan to vote in 2025. However, if they also fail to vote in 2025, their registration would be deactivated thereafter.

2. Other Grounds for Deactivation:

   • Sentencing by final judgment to imprisonment of not less than one year (unless pardoned or amnestied).
   • Conviction for crimes involving disloyalty to the government or against national security.
   • Declaration of insanity or incompetence by a competent authority.
   • Failure to comply with residency requirements (e.g., transferring residence without updating registration).

If none of these apply and the only issue is the 2023 non-participation, the registration remains active, and certification can be obtained.

Process for Obtaining Voter’s Certification

To secure a voter’s certification, follow these steps:

1. Verify Registration Status: Before applying, voters can check their status online via the COMELEC website (comelec.gov.ph) using the Precinct Finder tool or by visiting the local OEO. This is crucial for those who last voted in 2022, as it confirms if deactivation has occurred due to other factors.

2. Application Requirements:

   • Valid government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driver's license, or postal ID).
   • Accomplished application form (available at the OEO or downloadable from COMELEC's site).
   • Proof of residence if there have been changes since 2022.
   • Payment of the certification fee.

3. Where to Apply: Applications are processed at the OEO in the city or municipality where the voter is registered. For overseas voters (under Republic Act No. 9189, the Overseas Absentee Voting Act), certifications can be requested through Philippine embassies or consulates.

4. Processing Time: Typically, certifications are issued on the same day or within 1-3 days, depending on volume. During election periods, delays may occur.

5. Digital Options: COMELEC has introduced digital services post-2022, including online requests for certifications via the iRehistro platform, though physical pickup or mailing is still required in many cases.

If the registration is found to be deactivated (e.g., due to additional factors beyond the 2023 election), certification cannot be issued until reactivation.

Reactivation of Voter Registration

For voters who last voted in 2022 and discover their registration deactivated (unlikely solely due to 2023 non-voting but possible if combined with other grounds), reactivation is straightforward under Section 28 of RA 8189.

• Eligibility for Reactivation: Available if deactivation was due to failure to vote, loss of Filipino citizenship (later regained), or exclusion from the voter's list by court order (later reversed).
• Period for Reactivation: COMELEC sets periodic windows, usually aligned with registration periods. For instance, reactivation was open from December 2022 to September 2023 for the 2023 elections, and similar periods occur before each election cycle. As of 2025, reactivation would be available during the registration period leading up to future elections.
• Requirements:
  • Application form for reactivation.
  • Valid ID and proof of residence.
  • Affidavit explaining the reason for deactivation (if applicable).
• Process: Submit to the OEO; approval is by the Election Registration Board (ERB). Once reactivated, certification can be requested immediately.

Note that if deactivation occurred due to two failures (e.g., skipping 2019 and 2022, but the query specifies last voted in 2022, so this is moot), full re-registration might be needed instead of reactivation.

Special Considerations

• Overseas Filipino Voters (OFVs): Under RA 9189, as amended by RA 10590, OFVs who voted in 2022 via absentee voting maintain active status similarly. However, failure to vote in two successive national elections (not including barangay) leads to deactivation. Barangay elections do not apply to OFVs, so a 2022 voter remains active unless they skip 2025 and 2028.

• Senior Citizens, PWDs, and Vulnerable Groups: Republic Act No. 10366 allows accessible voting, but certification processes remain standard. Exemptions from deactivation for failure to vote do not exist; all voters are subject to the same rules.

• Effects of COVID-19 and Post-2022 Reforms: The pandemic influenced 2022 voting, with extended registration periods under COMELEC Resolution No. 10674. Post-2022, reforms like automated voting systems (RA 9369) have not altered certification rules but improved verification accuracy.

• Penalties for Misrepresentation: Falsely claiming active status or using fraudulent certification can lead to election offenses under the Omnibus Election Code, punishable by imprisonment of 1-6 years and disqualification from voting.

Conclusion

In summary, if your last vote was in the 2022 elections, you can generally obtain a voter’s certification as your registration likely remains active, provided you did not incur two successive failures to vote or other deactivation grounds. The single non-participation in the 2023 Barangay elections does not trigger deactivation. However, voters are advised to verify their status promptly, especially with the 2025 midterms approaching, to avoid complications. Proactive engagement with COMELEC ensures continued electoral participation and access to certification. For personalized advice, consulting the local OEO or a legal expert in election law is recommended.