How to Reactivate an Inactive (Deactivated) Voter Registration Record in the Philippines

Updated for general guidance. This is not a substitute for legal advice or official COMELEC directives.

1) Why voter records become “inactive” (legally: deactivated)

Under the 1987 Constitution, Article V, and the Voters’ Registration Act of 1996 (Republic Act No. 8189), the Election Registration Board (ERB) may deactivate a voter’s registration for any of the following:

Failure to vote in two (2) successive regular elections. (“Regular elections” are the periodic national/local polls set by law. If you skip two in a row, your record is deactivated.)
Loss of Filipino citizenship.
Sentenced by final judgment to imprisonment for at least one (1) year. (Disqualification to vote is lifted 5 years after service of sentence unless pardoned or granted amnesty earlier.)
Conviction by final judgment of a crime involving disloyalty to the duly constituted government (e.g., rebellion, sedition, or crimes against national security, as historically enumerated in election laws). (Disqualification lasts not less than 5 years after service of sentence unless earlier restored by pardon/amnesty.)
Declared insane or incompetent by a competent authority.
Exclusion by court order.
Cancellation for double/multiple registration (e.g., registration in another city/municipality resulting in cancellation of the earlier record).

Important: Deactivation is not the same as “cancellation of registration.” Deactivation keeps your record on file but prevents you from voting until it is reactivated. Cancellation (e.g., for multiple registration) may require different remedies.

2) Can you reactivate? Eligibility checkpoints

You can typically reactivate if:

Your only ground for deactivation was failure to vote in two successive regular elections; or
You have since regained eligibility (e.g., reacquired Filipino citizenship; received pardon/amnesty; completed the 5-year post-sentence period; obtained a court order lifting a finding of incompetency; or resolved issues tied to exclusion/cancellation).

You cannot reactivate while a disqualification ground still exists (e.g., you remain a non-citizen; or the required post-sentence period hasn’t run and you have no pardon/amnesty).

3) Where and when to file

Where

Office of the Election Officer (OEO) in the city/municipality where you currently reside.
During COMELEC-announced registration operations, there may also be satellite sites or special programs (e.g., “Register Anywhere” venues) that accept reactivation forms for forwarding to your OEO.

When

Only during the voter registration period. By law (RA 8189), no registration-related applications (including reactivation) may be received during the 120 days before a regular election and 90 days before a special election.
COMELEC periodically sets registration calendars; reactivation applications are accepted within those windows.

4) What to bring (core and situational documents)

Core:

Completed Application for Reactivation (paper form provided by COMELEC; historically referenced as CEF-1R).
One (1) valid, government-issued ID bearing your full name, recent photo, and signature (e.g., PhilSys/PhilID, passport, driver’s license, postal ID, SSS/GSIS UMID, PRC ID, etc.). Bring the original; photocopy may be requested.

If your deactivation involved additional grounds, attach as applicable:

Proof of reacquired citizenship (e.g., Identification Certificate or Order under RA 9225 for former Filipinos).
Pardon/amnesty papers, or proof that five (5) years have elapsed after service of sentence (for disqualifying convictions).
Court order lifting insanity/incompetency.
ERB/Court/COMELEC resolution resolving exclusion/cancellation issues (if any).
Proof of current residence if the OEO requests it (e.g., utility bill; barangay certification). Not always required, but helpful.

Biometrics: If your record lacks complete biometrics or your appearance has materially changed, the OEO may capture/update your photo, fingerprints, and signature during filing.

5) Step-by-step reactivation procedure

Prepare your documents. Fill out the reactivation form legibly and gather your ID and any supporting documents.
Go to the OEO (or authorized satellite/RAP site). Some sites use online systems to pre-fill forms or book appointments; walk-ins may also be accommodated depending on local guidance.
Submit your application and undergo identity verification. The OEO will check your identity, retrieve your Registration Record (RR), and validate the ground for deactivation.
Biometrics capture/update (if needed). If required, the OEO will capture your biometrics on the spot.
Wait for ERB action. The Election Registration Board (ERB) typically meets quarterly (traditionally around January, April, July, and October) to approve/deny applications. Your reactivation becomes effective upon ERB approval and inclusion in the Book of Voters/Posted Lists.
Check your status. After ERB approval and posting, you should appear on the Certified List of Voters for your precinct in your city/municipality.

Fees: Filing for reactivation is free.

6) Typical timelines

Filing: Any day within COMELEC’s registration schedule.
Board action: At the next ERB meeting after filing (quarterly cycle).
Posting/Effectivity: After ERB approval and publication/posting formalities.
Cut-off: Remember the 120-day “no registration” period leading up to election day.

7) Special situations

A) You also need to transfer your registration

If you moved to a new city/municipality, file a Transfer of Registration (with reactivation if deactivated). This consolidates your record at your new residence. Bring a valid ID and any proof of residence the OEO may ask for.

B) You changed your name or civil status

File Correction of Entries/Update of Records together with reactivation so your voter data matches your current legal identity (attach supporting civil registry documents).

C) Dual citizens (RA 9225)

Former Filipinos who reacquire citizenship may:

Reactivate (if previously registered and merely deactivated), or
Apply anew if no prior local registration exists, by presenting RA 9225 documents. Be prepared for biometrics capture and standard ERB approval.

D) Persons with prior convictions

If disqualified due to conviction:

Present absolute/conditional pardon or amnesty, or
Show that five (5) years have passed after completing your sentence (including probation/parole), per constitutional rules, to lift the disqualification. Reactivation can proceed once the disqualification no longer exists.

E) Declared insane/incompetent

You’ll need a final court/competent authority order lifting the finding before reactivation.

F) Multiple/duplicate registrations

Where deactivation arose from multiple registration findings, the OEO will confirm which record is valid. You may be directed to transfer or correct your record; in some cases you must pursue cancellation of the invalid record first.

G) Overseas Filipinos

Overseas voters (under RA 9189 as amended by RA 10590) follow OFOV/Foreign Service Post procedures for reactivation/transfer between overseas and local lists.
If you have moved back to the Philippines, file a Transfer from Overseas to Local (and reactivation if needed) at your local OEO.

8) Practical tips to avoid delays

Go early in the registration period; the 120-day ban can creep up fast.
Bring originals of IDs and supporting documents; have photocopies ready.
Write your name exactly as it appears on your IDs/civil registry.
Confirm precinct assignment after ERB approval—especially if you also transferred or updated entries.
Keep your contact details current with the OEO in case they need clarifications.

9) Legal bases & key concepts (plain-English digest)

Article V, 1987 Constitution – sets voter qualifications and disqualifications (e.g., post-conviction waiting periods unless pardoned/amnestied).
RA 8189 (Voters’ Registration Act of 1996) – governs registration, deactivation (e.g., failure to vote twice; loss of citizenship; certain convictions; incompetency; court exclusion; multiple registration), reactivation, ERB proceedings, and registration blackout periods (no registration within 120 days before a regular election; 90 days before a special election).
RA 9225 (Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003) – documentary basis for former Filipinos reacquiring citizenship; relevant to reactivation/new registration.
RA 9189 as amended by RA 10590 – special rules for Overseas Voting (registration, transfer, and reactivation via OFOV/Posts).

10) Frequently asked questions

Q1: I was deactivated for not voting twice. Do I need to re-register from scratch? A: No. File an Application for Reactivation (and any other needed updates). Your biometrics on file will be reused; they’ll be recaptured only if missing or outdated.

Q2: How will I know I’m approved? A: After the next ERB meeting approves your application, your name will appear on the posted lists/Book of Voters. You can also verify with your OEO.

Q3: I lost Filipino citizenship but have now reacquired it. Can I reactivate? A: Yes—once you’ve reacquired citizenship under RA 9225 and present the proper documents, you may reactivate (or register if you had no prior record).

Q4: The ERB meeting is after the registration deadline. Can I still vote? A: You can vote only if the ERB approves your reactivation before the election cut-off for inclusion in the Certified List of Voters. File early.

Q5: Is there a fee? A: None. COMELEC does not charge a fee for reactivation.

11) One-page checklist (printable)

Within registration period (not within 120 days before regular election / 90 days before special).
Go to OEO of your current residence (or authorized satellite/RAP site).
Application for Reactivation completed (add Transfer/Update forms if needed).
Valid government ID (original; with photo/signature).
Supporting docs (if applicable): RA 9225 papers; pardon/amnesty; proof 5-year lapse post-sentence; court order lifting incompetency; ERB/COMELEC orders for exclusion/duplicates.
Biometrics captured/updated (if required).
Track ERB meeting date; confirm approval and precinct.

Bottom line

If your voter record is “inactive” because you skipped two regular elections—or for other legally curable reasons—file a reactivation with your local OEO during the registration window, bring a valid ID and any supporting documents, and wait for ERB approval. Once approved, you’re back on the rolls and ready to vote.