This article explains how and why a Filipino voter’s registration can be deactivated for failure to vote in consecutive elections, and how to restore it. It draws primarily from the Voter’s Registration Act of 1996 (Republic Act No. 8189) and related election laws and rules.

1) The Legal Basis

Continuing registration with cut-off periods. The Philippines follows a system of continuing voter registration, suspended only during a statutory “quiet period” before elections (generally, no registration within 120 days before a regular election and 90 days before a special election). During open periods, qualified voters may file applications to register, transfer, correct entries, or reactivate records.

Ground for deactivation—failure to vote twice. A registered voter’s record shall be deactivated if the voter fails to vote in two (2) successive regular elections. Deactivation for this ground is administrative (not punitive): the record is tagged “deactivated” and removed from the list of active voters until properly restored.

Other statutory grounds for deactivation (for context) include: loss of Filipino citizenship; sentence by final judgment for crimes involving disqualification; declaration of insanity or incompetence by final court order; and certain exclusion orders. This article focuses on non-voting as the trigger.

2) What counts as “two successive regular elections”?

“Regular elections” refers to the scheduled national and local elections held at fixed intervals (e.g., synchronized national/local polls).
Do not count plebiscites, referenda, initiatives, recall elections, or special elections toward the “two successive” tally.
Barangay/SK polls: The statute does not expressly list them in the “two successive regular elections” rule. As a conservative reading, treat the trigger as two consecutive national/local regular elections. (Administrative circulars may provide further detail; when in doubt, follow the current Commission on Elections (COMELEC) implementation for the current cycle.)

Illustrative timeline

Example: A voter did not vote in May 2022 (national/local) and again did not vote in May 2025 (national/local). After the second miss is recorded and processed, the voter’s record becomes deactivated. The voter cannot vote in any election thereafter until the record is reactivated.

3) What deactivation means (practical consequences)

Your name is removed from the certified list of active voters of your precinct.
You cannot be issued a ballot and cannot vote while deactivated.
The record is not deleted; it is retained in the database as inactive and can be reactivated upon proper application during allowed periods.

COMELEC gives due notice (through posting and standard administrative processes) and the Election Registration Board (ERB) acts on applications and list maintenance.

4) How to get reactivated after missing two elections

A. When you may apply

Only during open registration periods (i.e., when continuing registration is not suspended by the 120/90-day cut-offs).
Processing is subject to ERB action and standard posting/notice rules.

B. Where to apply

Office of the Election Officer (OEO) of the city/municipality where you are registered.
Satellite/field registration sites (when scheduled).
You may pre-fill forms via any COMELEC facility that allows it, but submission/biometrics capture is in person.

C. What to bring (typical requirements)

One (1) valid government ID bearing your photo, signature, and current address (e.g., PhilSys/PhilID, driver’s license, passport, postal ID, SSS/UMID, PRC, etc.).
If the address on your ID is outdated and you have moved within the same city/municipality, bring proof of current residence; if you moved to a different city/municipality, file a Transfer with Reactivation instead of a stand-alone reactivation.
Biometrics capture (fingerprints, photograph, signature) will be taken or updated if missing/outdated.

Tip: If you were also flagged for non-biometric registration or poor/obsolete biometrics, resolve this at the same time—reactivation will not be completed without compliant biometrics on file.

D. The form and the action

File an Application for Reactivation (the OEO provides the current form).
If you changed civil status/name, ask to correct entries concurrently; if you moved precincts or barangays within the same city/municipality, request transfer within; if you moved cities/municipalities, request a transfer of registration (which also reactivates your status in the new locality).
Your application is taken up by the ERB at its next meeting; if approved, your record becomes active and is included in the next Posted Computerized Voters List (PCVL) and Project of Precincts for the forthcoming election.

5) Cut-offs, timing, and “last day to reactivate”

The same deadlines that govern new registrations apply to reactivations.
As a rule of thumb, reactivate well before the 120-day pre-election cut-off for regular elections (and 90 days for special elections).
If you miss the cut-off, reactivation is typically deferred until after the election.

6) Edge cases & special situations

A. Overseas Filipino voters (OFVs)

Overseas registration is governed by separate statutes (e.g., as amended by the Overseas Voting Act). Historically, failure to vote in two consecutive national elections abroad can also lead to deactivation of the overseas record.
Reactivation/transfer between posts follows the overseas rules (through the embassy/consulate or authorized channels) and must also respect global cut-offs before national elections.
If you returned to the Philippines to reside here, file a transfer to a local precinct (domestic registration) and ensure only one active record exists.

B. Court orders and appeals

Inclusion/exclusion questions and challenges to ERB actions follow summary court proceedings under the election laws within tight timelines. If your reactivation was denied for reasons you contest, you may seek judicial relief within the statutory window.

C. Name changes, address changes, and precinct consolidation

Use reactivation as an opportunity to synchronize your records (name spelling, birthdate, civil status, address).
Precincts may be clustered or re-assigned by COMELEC; always check your final precinct assignment shortly before election day.

D. Persons with disability (PWD), senior citizens, IPs, and other priority sectors

Assistance and priority lanes are available at OEOs and satellite sites. You may indicate assistive needs in your registration data so that accessible polling place arrangements can be made.

7) Common misconceptions

“Missing one election deactivates me.” ✘ False. Deactivation for non-voting requires two successive regular elections.
“My record was erased because I didn’t vote.” ✘ False. It is deactivated, not erased; you can reactivate during open periods.
“Barangay or special elections count toward the two.” ⚠ Usually no. The statutory trigger is regular national/local elections; plebiscites, special elections, and similar events are not counted.
“I can reactivate online.” ⚠ You may be able to pre-fill forms online (when available), but personal appearance for submission/biometrics remains the norm.

8) Practical checklist for someone who missed two elections

Confirm your status at the OEO (or via official verification channels).
Prepare ID (with current address) and any supporting proof of residence.
Decide the correct remedy:
- Reactivation only (same address);
- Reactivation + Transfer within city/municipality; or
- Transfer to another city/municipality (which will reactivate you there).
File during open registration, well before the 120-day cut-off.
Monitor ERB posting and check your precinct assignment.
Vote in the next election to keep your record active.

9) Penalties and liabilities (what this is not)

Failing to vote carries no criminal penalty by itself; the consequence is administrative deactivation.
False statements, multiple registrations, or fraudulent transfers are election offenses with criminal liability—do not attempt to “start fresh” by re-registering elsewhere if your name remains on file; use the proper reactivation/transfer process.

10) Key takeaways

Missing two successive regular national/local elections leads to deactivation of your voter record.
You can reactivate during the continuing registration period (but not within 120 days before a regular election / 90 days before a special election).
Bring a valid ID, update your biometrics, and file any needed transfer/corrections at the OEO.
Once reactivated, you’ll appear again on the Certified List of Voters and can vote in ensuing elections.

This article is for general guidance. For unique circumstances (e.g., overseas voting, court orders, name/address anomalies), consult your local COMELEC Office of the Election Officer or the latest COMELEC resolutions for the current electoral cycle.