VOTERS REGISTRATION ACT OF 1996

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 8189 (The Voter's Registration Act of 1996):

Declaration of Policy and Definition of Terms (Sections 2-3)
- The policy is to systematize voter registration to establish a clean, complete, permanent, and updated list of voters.
- Definitions are provided for terms like "registration", "registration record", "book of voters", "list of voters", "illiterate or disabled person", "Commission", "Election Registration Board", "voter's identification number (VIN)", "political parties", "precinct", "precinct maps", "polling place", "voting center", "election officer", and "Board of Election Inspectors".

Permanent List of Voters and Precincts (Sections 4-6)
- There shall be a permanent list of voters per precinct, accompanied by an addition/deletion list for updating.
- Precinct maps shall be prepared and posted, and a voter's precinct assignment cannot be changed without consent. (Section 4)
- The Commission shall draw updated precinct maps nationwide, abolishing previous precincts. (Section 5)
- Each precinct shall have no more than 200 voters and comprise contiguous territories. Provisions are made for splitting or merging precincts. (Section 6)

General Registration of Voters and Continuing Registration System (Sections 7-8)
- A general registration of voters shall be conducted in 1997 before the 1998 elections. (Section 7)
- A system of continuing daily registration shall be implemented, except during the period before elections. (Section 8)

Voter Qualifications and Registration Process (Sections 9-14)
- Qualifications for registering as a voter are specified, including age, residence, and temporary residence rules. (Section 9)
- The process for accomplishing the application form and providing data like signatures, fingerprints, and photos is outlined. (Section 10)
- Grounds for disqualification from registering are listed. (Section 11)
- Procedures for changing residence within or between cities/municipalities are provided. (Sections 12-13)
- Provisions are made for assisting illiterate or disabled applicants. (Section 14)

Election Registration Board (Sections 15-21)
- An Election Registration Board shall be constituted in each city/municipality to act on applications. (Section 15)
- Compensation for Board members is specified as 200 pesos per day of service. (Section 16)
- The process for notice, hearing, and approval/disapproval of applications is outlined. (Sections 17-21)

Preservation and Management of Voter Records (Sections 22-30)
- Procedures are provided for preserving voter registration records at the local, provincial, and national levels. (Sections 22-24)
- Voter identification cards shall be issued, with provisions for replacement. (Section 25)
- The voter's identification number (VIN) format and components are specified. (Section 26)
- Grounds and procedures for deactivating and reactivating voter registrations are outlined. (Sections 27-28)
- Procedures for canceling registrations due to death are provided. (Section 29)
- The preparation, posting, and distribution of certified voter lists are mandated. (Section 30)

Sealing of Precinct Book of Voters and Judicial Proceedings (Sections 31-39)
- The precinct book of voters shall be sealed in the presence of party representatives before the campaign period. (Section 31)
- Common rules are established for judicial proceedings on inclusion, exclusion, and correction of voter names. (Section 32)
- The jurisdiction and procedures for inclusion and exclusion cases are specified. (Sections 33-35)
- Provisions are made for verifying registered voters and annulling books of voters. (Sections 36-39)

Reconstitution of Lost Records and Public Access (Sections 40-43)
- The Commission shall reconstitute lost or destroyed registration records. (Section 40)
- Registration records shall be open for public examination and access by law enforcement agencies. (Section 41)
- Political parties and candidates have the right to inspect and copy voter lists. (Section 42)
- A computerized permanent list of voters shall be prepared. (Section 43)

Election Officers and Offenses (Sections 44-46)
- Election Officers shall be reassigned after serving 4 years in a particular city/municipality. (Section 44)
- Various acts are defined as election offenses under this Act. (Section 45)
- Penalties for election offenses include imprisonment, fines, and disqualification from public office. (Section 46)

Funding, Monitoring, and Implementation (Sections 47-52)
- 2 billion pesos is appropriated for registration activities in 1997. (Section 47)
- A multi-partisan Monitoring and Evaluation Committee is created to oversee the registration process. (Section 48)
- The Commission shall promulgate necessary rules and regulations. (Section 49)
- Separability, repealing, and effectivity clauses are included. (Sections 50-52)