I. Introduction

A voter’s registration record in the Philippines is tied to a specific locality. When a registered voter moves from one city or municipality to another and intends to vote in the new place of residence, the voter must apply for transfer of registration record with the Commission on Elections, more commonly known as the COMELEC.

Transfer of voter registration is not merely a change of address. It determines where a voter may vote, which local candidates the voter may choose, and which district or barangay contests will appear on the ballot. For this reason, the law requires the voter to prove residence in the new city or municipality and to file the proper application before the election registration deadline.

This article explains the legal basis, qualifications, procedure, documentary requirements, effects, common issues, and practical considerations involved in transferring voter registration to another city in the Philippine context.

II. Legal Basis

The transfer of voter registration is governed primarily by the following laws and regulations:

The 1987 Philippine Constitution, which guarantees the right of suffrage to qualified Filipino citizens;
Republic Act No. 8189, also known as the Voter’s Registration Act of 1996;
The Omnibus Election Code;
COMELEC resolutions issued for specific registration periods and elections;
Related rules on residence, disqualification, deactivation, reactivation, and correction of voter records.

Under Philippine election law, voter registration is a continuing process, subject to statutory and COMELEC-imposed suspension periods before elections. A registered voter who changes residence to another city or municipality must apply for transfer of registration record before the appropriate Election Officer.

III. Meaning of Transfer of Voter Registration

A transfer of voter registration is the process by which a voter’s registration record is moved from the city, municipality, district, or precinct where the voter is currently registered to another place where the voter has established residence.

There are generally two kinds of transfer:

A. Transfer within the Same City or Municipality

This occurs when the voter moves from one barangay, district, or precinct to another within the same city or municipality.

For example, a voter registered in Barangay 1 of Quezon City moves to Barangay 2 of Quezon City. The voter remains within the same city but may need to transfer precinct or barangay assignment.

B. Transfer to Another City or Municipality

This is the focus of this article. It occurs when the voter moves from one city or municipality to another.

For example, a voter registered in Manila moves to Cebu City, Davao City, Makati City, Iloilo City, or another local government unit. The voter must transfer the registration record to the new city or municipality to vote there.

IV. Why Transfer Is Necessary

A voter who remains registered in the old city or municipality may still appear in the old locality’s voter list. However, that voter may not be able to vote in the new city unless the registration record is properly transferred.

Transfer is necessary because it affects:

Polling place and precinct assignment;
Barangay, city, municipal, provincial, and district contests;
Eligibility to vote for local candidates in the new place of residence;
Accuracy of the voter list;
Avoidance of challenges on residence or registration status.

In national elections, voters choose national officials such as President, Vice President, Senators, and party-list representatives. But local contests depend on where the voter is registered. A person registered in City A cannot vote for the mayor, vice mayor, councilors, district representative, governor, vice governor, or board members of City B unless the registration has been transferred.

V. Who May Apply for Transfer

A person may apply for transfer of voter registration to another city if the person:

Is already a registered voter in the Philippines;
Has moved residence to another city or municipality;
Is a Filipino citizen;
Is at least eighteen years old on or before election day;
Has resided in the Philippines for at least one year;
Has resided in the place where the person proposes to vote for at least six months immediately preceding election day;
Is not otherwise disqualified by law.

The transfer process is available only to someone who already has an existing voter registration record. A person who has never registered before must file an application for new registration, not transfer.

VI. Residence Requirement

Residence is one of the most important issues in voter registration transfer.

Under Philippine election law, the voter must have resided in the place where the voter intends to vote for at least six months immediately preceding the election. Residence for election purposes generally means domicile.

Domicile has three elements:

Physical presence in the place;
Intent to remain there;
Intent to abandon the former domicile.

Mere temporary stay may not be enough. A person who stays in a city only for work, study, business, or temporary assignment may be questioned if there is no genuine intent to make that city the person’s residence for voting purposes.

However, residence is not limited to property ownership. A voter may establish residence in a place even if the voter is renting, living with relatives, staying in employer-provided housing, or occupying a family home, provided there is genuine residence and intent to remain.

VII. Common Examples of Valid Transfer

A transfer of voter registration may be appropriate in the following situations:

A person moves from a province to Metro Manila for permanent work and residence;
A person marries and relocates to the spouse’s city;
A family moves permanently to another city;
A student who has established actual residence in a university city decides to vote there and meets the legal residence requirement;
A worker relocates to another city and intends to reside there indefinitely;
A person returns to a hometown after living elsewhere and intends to vote there;
A lessee moves to a different city and establishes residence there.

The essential point is that the voter must truthfully claim that the new city or municipality is the place where the voter resides for election purposes.

VIII. Transfer Is Not Automatic

A common misconception is that voter registration automatically follows a person’s residence. It does not.

Changing one’s address for postal, employment, tax, school, banking, or government identification purposes does not automatically transfer voter registration. A voter must personally file an application for transfer with the COMELEC Election Office having jurisdiction over the new city or municipality.

Similarly, obtaining a barangay certificate, driver’s license, national ID, or other document showing a new address does not by itself transfer the voter record. It may support the application, but the voter must still complete the COMELEC process.

IX. Where to File the Application

The application for transfer is generally filed with the Office of the Election Officer of the city or municipality where the voter now resides or intends to vote.

For example:

A voter registered in Manila who moved to Makati should file in Makati;
A voter registered in Quezon City who moved to Cebu City should file in Cebu City;
A voter registered in Davao City who moved to Pasig should file in Pasig.

During certain registration periods, COMELEC may also allow satellite registration sites, mall registration, special registration venues, or online appointment systems. However, the official processing remains under COMELEC.

X. When to File

Voter registration in the Philippines is a continuing process but is suspended during certain periods before an election. For regular elections, registration is typically closed within a legally prescribed period before election day.

A voter should transfer registration as early as possible because:

Registration deadlines are strictly enforced;
COMELEC offices may become crowded near the deadline;
Documentary issues may require additional time;
The application must be heard and approved by the Election Registration Board;
Failure to transfer before the deadline means the voter may have to vote in the old locality or may be unable to vote conveniently.

The exact deadline depends on the election calendar and the applicable COMELEC resolution for that registration cycle.

XI. Personal Appearance Requirement

Transfer of voter registration generally requires personal appearance.

The voter must personally appear before the Election Officer or authorized COMELEC registration personnel because voter registration involves identity verification, biometrics, and sworn declarations.

Biometric data may include:

Photograph;
Fingerprints;
Signature;
Other identifying information required by COMELEC.

The voter must also sign or affirm the application under oath. Because of these requirements, transfer cannot ordinarily be completed through a representative.

XII. Documents Usually Required

The basic requirement is a valid identification document showing the voter’s identity. Depending on COMELEC rules and the circumstances, the voter may also be asked to present proof of residence.

Commonly accepted identification documents may include:

Philippine passport;
Driver’s license;
National ID or PhilSys ID;
SSS ID;
GSIS ID;
UMID;
Postal ID;
PRC ID;
IBP ID;
NBI clearance;
Police clearance;
Student ID, where accepted;
Employee ID, where accepted;
Senior citizen ID;
PWD ID;
Barangay certification;
Other government-issued IDs recognized by COMELEC.

COMELEC may reject identification documents that are expired, unclear, inconsistent, or insufficient. Community Tax Certificates or cedulas are generally not treated as sufficient voter identification by themselves.

For proof of residence, the following may be useful:

Barangay certificate of residency;
Lease contract;
Utility bill;
Employment certificate showing local assignment;
School records showing local residence;
Government ID with current address;
Homeowners’ association certification;
Affidavit or other documents showing actual residence.

Requirements can vary depending on COMELEC instructions, local practice, and the circumstances of the applicant.

XIII. Application Form

The applicant must accomplish the appropriate COMELEC voter registration application form. The form typically requires personal information such as:

Full name;
Date and place of birth;
Civil status;
Citizenship;
Address;
Period of residence in the Philippines;
Period of residence in the city or municipality;
Previous registration details;
Type of application, such as transfer, correction, reactivation, or change of name;
Oath or certification by the applicant.

The voter should carefully indicate that the application is for transfer of registration record from the previous city or municipality to the new city or municipality.

False statements in the application may expose the applicant to legal consequences.

XIV. Procedure for Transfer

The usual process is as follows:

1. Check Registration Period

The voter should first determine whether voter registration is open. Transfer applications are accepted only during authorized registration periods.

2. Prepare Valid ID and Supporting Documents

The voter should bring at least one valid ID and, when possible, documents showing residence in the new city.

3. Go to the COMELEC Office of the New City or Municipality

The voter should file with the Election Officer of the place where the voter now resides.

4. Accomplish the Application Form

The voter must provide accurate personal information and previous registration details.

5. Submit to Identity Verification

COMELEC personnel will verify the applicant’s identity and existing registration status.

6. Biometrics Capture or Update

The applicant may undergo photograph, fingerprint, and signature capture, especially if biometrics are incomplete, outdated, or required.

7. Take the Oath

The applicant signs or affirms the application under oath.

8. Posting and Hearing

Applications may be posted or made available for review. The Election Registration Board evaluates whether the application should be approved or disapproved.

9. Approval by the Election Registration Board

The Election Registration Board acts on the application. Once approved, the voter’s record is transferred to the new locality.

10. Inclusion in the Voter List

After approval, the voter’s name should appear in the voter list of the new city or municipality and be removed from the list of the old locality.

XV. Election Registration Board

The Election Registration Board, or ERB, plays an important role in registration matters. It reviews applications for registration, transfer, reactivation, correction, and related changes.

The ERB determines whether the applicant meets legal qualifications, including residence requirements. It may approve or disapprove the application.

An application for transfer is not fully effective merely upon submission. It must be approved through the proper registration process.

XVI. Effect of Approved Transfer

Once the transfer is approved:

The voter’s registration record is moved to the new city or municipality;
The voter is assigned to a precinct in the new locality;
The voter may vote for candidates and issues applicable to the new locality;
The voter’s old registration record is updated or removed from the former locality’s active voter list;
The voter should vote in the assigned precinct in the new city or municipality on election day.

The voter may no longer vote in the old locality after the transfer becomes effective.

XVII. Effect of Pending Transfer

If the application is still pending and has not yet been approved, the voter’s status may not yet be fully transferred.

The voter should verify registration status after the ERB approval process. Filing alone does not guarantee that the voter’s name will appear in the new precinct list. Approval and inclusion in the official list are necessary.

XVIII. Transfer and Reactivation

A voter whose registration has been deactivated may need to file an application for reactivation with transfer.

Deactivation may occur for reasons such as:

Failure to vote in two successive regular elections;
Court order;
Loss of Filipino citizenship;
Declaration of insanity or incompetence by competent authority;
Other grounds provided by law.

If the voter has been deactivated and has also moved to another city, the voter should apply for reactivation and transfer, as applicable.

XIX. Transfer and Change of Name

A voter who has changed name due to marriage, annulment, court order, correction of civil registry entries, or other legal cause may apply for transfer together with correction or change of name.

Supporting documents may include:

Marriage certificate;
Court order;
Certificate of finality;
Annotated birth certificate;
Other official civil registry documents.

The voter should ensure that the registration record reflects the correct legal name to avoid confusion on election day.

XX. Transfer and Correction of Entries

A voter may request correction of entries at the same time as transfer. Examples include correction of:

Misspelled name;
Wrong birth date;
Wrong civil status;
Incorrect address;
Incorrect gender;
Other clerical or personal information errors.

The applicant should bring documents supporting the correction.

XXI. Transfer and Biometrics

COMELEC requires voters to have biometrics. A voter with no biometrics, incomplete biometrics, or defective biometric records may need to update biometric information.

A transfer application may also be an opportunity to update photograph, signature, and fingerprints.

Voters should not assume that old registration records are complete. It is prudent to verify whether biometrics are valid and complete.

XXII. Transfer Before Barangay and SK Elections

For barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, residence in the barangay is especially important because the voter chooses barangay officials.

A voter transferring to another city may also need to ensure that the correct barangay is reflected. The voter’s barangay assignment determines the barangay ballot.

For SK elections, voters must meet age and other legal requirements applicable to the Sangguniang Kabataan voter list.

XXIII. Transfer Before National and Local Elections

For national and local elections, the transfer affects the voter’s ability to vote for local officials. These may include:

Member of the House of Representatives for the legislative district;
Governor and vice governor, where applicable;
Provincial board members, where applicable;
Mayor and vice mayor;
City or municipal councilors;
Other local elective positions.

In highly urbanized cities and independent component cities, voters may not vote for provincial officials, depending on the city’s classification and applicable law.

XXIV. Overseas Voters Returning to the Philippines

An overseas voter who returns to the Philippines and intends to vote locally may need to transfer registration from overseas voting records to a local registration record, subject to COMELEC rules.

This is a specialized situation and may involve rules on overseas voting registration, certification, and local registration. The voter should file during the applicable registration period and clarify whether the proper application is transfer, reactivation, cancellation of overseas registration, or another related process.

XXV. Students and Workers Living Away from Home

Students and workers often ask whether they may transfer registration to the city where they study or work.

The answer depends on residence. A student or worker may transfer if the person has established residence in the new city and meets the six-month residence requirement before election day. However, if the stay is temporary and the person intends to return to the original home as the true domicile, transfer may be legally questionable.

Factors that may support residence include:

Long-term lease or permanent housing;
Intention to remain indefinitely;
Employment based in the new city;
Family relocation;
Community ties;
Transfer of personal affairs to the new place.

Factors that may weaken the claim include:

Temporary dormitory stay;
Short-term work assignment;
Seasonal employment;
Regular return to the old home as the principal residence;
Lack of intent to remain.

XXVI. Renters and Informal Residents

A voter does not need to own property in the new city to transfer registration. Renters may validly register where they reside.

Even informal residence may be considered if the person actually lives there and intends it as domicile. However, the voter may need stronger proof of residence if the address is questioned.

A lease contract, barangay certification, or certification from the homeowner or household head may help establish residence.

XXVII. Married Persons

Marriage does not automatically transfer voter registration. A married person who moves to a spouse’s city must still apply for transfer.

A married voter may retain registration in the original locality if that remains the voter’s domicile. Conversely, the voter may transfer to the spouse’s city if residence has genuinely changed.

Marriage certificate may be relevant if the voter also seeks change of surname or correction of civil status.

XXVIII. Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, and Vulnerable Voters

Persons with disabilities, senior citizens, heavily pregnant voters, and other vulnerable voters may be covered by special procedures or priority assistance during registration, depending on COMELEC rules and local implementation.

A voter with disability should ensure that the registration record properly reflects the disability or need for accessible polling place assignment, if applicable.

Transfer may also affect assignment to accessible polling places or special polling arrangements.

XXIX. Detainee Voters

Certain detainees who are not disqualified by final judgment may be allowed to vote under special rules. Transfer of registration for detainee voters may involve special COMELEC procedures, detention facility coordination, and eligibility verification.

This is a specialized area and depends on the voter’s status, detention location, and applicable COMELEC rules.

XXX. Grounds for Disapproval

An application for transfer may be disapproved if:

The applicant is not a registered voter;
The applicant is not qualified to vote;
The applicant fails to meet the residence requirement;
The applicant gives false or inconsistent information;
The applicant is disqualified by law;
The application is filed after the deadline;
The applicant fails to appear personally;
The applicant lacks required identification or supporting documents;
The application is challenged and the ERB finds the challenge meritorious;
The voter’s previous record cannot be verified or conflicts with existing records.

Disapproval should be based on legal grounds and proper procedure.

XXXI. Challenges to Transfer

A transfer application may be challenged by interested parties, including political party representatives or voters, under applicable COMELEC rules.

Common grounds for challenge include:

Non-residence;
False address;
Multiple registration;
Disqualification;
Misrepresentation.

The applicant may be required to explain or present evidence supporting residence and qualification.

XXXII. False Statements and Election Offenses

A voter must be truthful in applying for transfer. False statements in voter registration may have serious consequences.

Potentially punishable acts may include:

Applying for registration knowing one is not qualified;
Making false statements in the application;
Using a false address;
Registering or attempting to register more than once;
Misrepresenting residence;
Aiding or abetting fraudulent registration.

Election offenses may carry penalties under election laws, including imprisonment, disqualification, or deprivation of certain rights, depending on the offense and applicable law.

XXXIII. Multiple Registration

A transfer is not supposed to create a second registration. It moves an existing registration record.

A voter should not file a new registration in another city while remaining registered elsewhere. The correct remedy for a registered voter who has moved is transfer, not new registration.

Multiple registration may lead to cancellation, deactivation, investigation, or prosecution, depending on the circumstances.

XXXIV. Deactivated Voters

A deactivated voter is not the same as an unregistered person. The record still exists but is inactive.

A voter who has moved and whose record has been deactivated should file the appropriate application for reactivation and transfer. Filing a new registration instead of reactivation or transfer may cause record conflicts.

XXXV. Precinct Assignment After Transfer

After approval, COMELEC assigns the voter to a precinct in the new locality. The assigned precinct depends on the voter’s address and the clustering or precinct arrangements for the election.

The voter should verify the precinct number and polling place before election day. Polling places may change due to clustering, school availability, accessibility adjustments, or COMELEC arrangements.

XXXVI. How to Verify Transfer Status

A voter may verify status through:

The local COMELEC office;
Official voter verification services made available by COMELEC for a given election;
Posted voter lists;
Precinct finder tools, when available;
Direct inquiry with the Election Officer.

The voter should verify well before election day, not on election morning.

XXXVII. What Happens If the Voter Fails to Transfer

If a voter moves to another city but fails to transfer registration, several consequences may follow:

The voter remains registered in the old locality;
The voter may need to return to the old city or municipality to vote;
The voter cannot vote for local candidates in the new city;
The voter may face practical difficulty voting;
Continued failure to vote may eventually lead to deactivation;
The voter list in the old locality remains inaccurate.

A voter cannot simply appear at a polling place in the new city and vote there without approved registration in that locality.

XXXVIII. Transfer After the Registration Deadline

If the registration period has closed, a voter generally cannot transfer until registration reopens.

Filing after the deadline is not allowed merely because the voter recently moved, forgot, lacked time, or was unaware of the requirement. Election registration deadlines are strict because voter lists must be finalized before election day.

XXXIX. Transfer During Election Period

Registration is typically suspended during certain periods before an election. Even if campaign activities are ongoing, registration may already be closed.

A voter should distinguish between:

Election period;
Campaign period;
Registration period;
ERB hearing dates;
Election day.

Registration and transfer depend on the registration calendar, not on campaign schedules.

XL. Transfer of Registration and Local Political Rights

A voter’s transfer affects political participation in the new locality. Once transferred, the voter becomes part of the electorate of the new city or municipality.

This means the voter may participate in choosing local officials who will govern the new place of residence. It also means the voter should no longer influence elections in a locality where the voter no longer resides.

The residence requirement protects the integrity of local elections by ensuring that local voters have a genuine connection to the community.

XLI. Transfer and Candidacy

A person who intends to run for local office should pay careful attention to voter registration and residence requirements. For many elective positions, a candidate must be a registered voter in the locality where the candidate seeks election and must meet applicable residence requirements.

However, candidate qualifications involve separate legal rules. Transfer of voter registration alone does not automatically prove eligibility to run for office. Residence, citizenship, age, registration, and other statutory requirements must be independently satisfied.

XLII. Transfer and Change of Address Within Highly Urbanized Cities

In cities divided into districts or barangays, a change of address may affect district assignment. This is especially relevant in cities with multiple legislative districts.

Even movement within the same city may require updating the voter record to ensure the voter is assigned to the correct barangay, district, and precinct.

When moving to another city, the need for transfer is clearer because the voter’s local electorate changes entirely.

XLIII. Special Concerns in Metro Manila

Metro Manila is composed of several separate cities and one municipality. Moving from one Metro Manila city to another is a transfer to another local government unit.

For example:

Quezon City to Manila is a transfer;
Manila to Makati is a transfer;
Pasig to Taguig is a transfer;
Caloocan to Valenzuela is a transfer;
Parañaque to Las Piñas is a transfer.

Even if the cities are geographically close, each has its own voter registry and local contests.

XLIV. Practical Checklist

A voter transferring registration to another city should prepare the following:

Valid government-issued ID;
Proof of current residence, if available;
Previous registration details, if known;
Correct and complete new address;
Supporting documents for name change or correction, if applicable;
Personal appearance at the COMELEC office;
Time to complete biometrics capture or update;
Follow-up verification after ERB approval.

The voter should keep any acknowledgment receipt or proof of filing issued by COMELEC.

XLV. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I transfer my voter registration online?

COMELEC may provide online forms, appointment systems, or preliminary digital services during certain periods. However, voter registration generally still requires personal appearance for verification, oath, and biometrics.

2. Can someone else file the transfer for me?

Ordinarily, no. Personal appearance is required.

3. Do I need to cancel my old registration first?

No separate personal cancellation is usually necessary. The transfer process is intended to move the record from the old locality to the new one once approved.

4. Can I transfer even if I do not own a house in the new city?

Yes. Property ownership is not required. Actual residence and intent to remain are the key considerations.

5. Can I transfer if I am only renting?

Yes, provided the rented place is your residence for election purposes and you meet the residence requirement.

6. Can I transfer if I moved only recently?

You may file during registration period, but you must satisfy the legal residence requirement for voting in the new locality by election day. If you cannot meet the required period of residence, the application may be vulnerable to disapproval or challenge.

7. Can I vote in the new city immediately after filing?

Not necessarily. The application must be approved, and your name must be included in the voter list of the new locality.

8. What if my transfer is disapproved?

You may inquire with the Election Officer regarding the reason for disapproval and available remedies under COMELEC rules. Depending on the circumstances, remedies may include filing again during the proper period with sufficient proof or pursuing the appropriate legal remedy.

9. What if I transferred but my name is not on the voter list?

You should immediately check with the local COMELEC office. The issue may involve pending approval, data encoding, precinct assignment, disapproval, or record mismatch.

10. Can I transfer my registration close to election day?

Only if registration is still open. Once registration is closed, transfer is generally no longer allowed for that election.

XLVI. Legal Importance of Truthful Residence

The residence requirement is not a mere technicality. It protects the principle that local officials should be elected by genuine residents of the locality.

A voter should not transfer registration merely to support a candidate, join a political operation, or influence an election in a place where the voter does not truly reside. Such conduct may result in challenges, cancellation of registration, or possible election offense liability.

The applicant’s sworn statement of residence should be made seriously and accurately.

XLVII. Distinction Between Residence for Voting and Address for Convenience

A person may have several addresses, such as:

A family home;
A rented apartment;
A workplace address;
A school dormitory;
A temporary boarding house;
A provincial address;
A mailing address.

For voter registration, the relevant address is not merely where the person receives mail or temporarily stays. It is the place that qualifies as the person’s residence or domicile for election purposes.

A voter should choose the locality where the voter genuinely resides and intends to participate politically.

XLVIII. Evidence of Residence

No single document always proves residence conclusively. COMELEC may consider the totality of circumstances.

Useful evidence may include:

Length of stay in the new city;
Nature of the dwelling;
Lease or ownership documents;
Barangay certification;
Utility bills;
Employment location;
Family relocation;
School records;
Government records;
Statements made under oath;
Consistency of address across documents.

The stronger and more consistent the evidence, the less likely the application will be questioned.

XLIX. Data Privacy and Accuracy

Voter registration involves personal data. The applicant should ensure that all information given is accurate and should avoid submitting unnecessary documents beyond what is required.

At the same time, the voter must provide enough information for COMELEC to verify identity, residence, and eligibility.

Incorrect data may create problems in precinct assignment, voter verification, or future applications.

L. Remedies and Follow-Up

If there is a problem with the transfer, the voter should promptly coordinate with the Election Officer. Common issues include:

Name not found;
Duplicate record;
Incomplete biometrics;
Wrong address;
Wrong barangay;
Pending ERB action;
Disapproved application;
Deactivated status;
Incorrect personal information.

The voter should bring proof of filing, valid ID, and supporting documents when following up.

LI. Best Practices

A voter planning to transfer registration should observe the following:

File early during the registration period;
Bring more than one valid ID if possible;
Bring proof of residence;
Use the correct and complete address;
Disclose previous registration accurately;
Update biometrics when required;
Combine transfer with correction or reactivation if needed;
Keep proof of filing;
Verify status after approval;
Confirm precinct assignment before election day.

LII. Conclusion

Transferring voter registration to another city in the Philippines is a formal legal process that ensures a voter may participate in elections in the place where the voter genuinely resides. It is governed by constitutional principles, statutory requirements, and COMELEC rules.

The key requirements are existing voter registration, personal appearance, proof of identity, truthful declaration of residence, compliance with the six-month local residence requirement, and filing within the authorized registration period. The transfer becomes effective only after proper processing and approval.

A voter who has moved to another city should not assume that registration follows automatically. The voter must apply with the COMELEC Election Office of the new city or municipality, complete the required form, undergo verification and biometrics procedures, and confirm inclusion in the new voter list. Accurate and timely transfer protects both the voter’s right of suffrage and the integrity of local elections.