The Commission on Elections is looking to distribute temporary voters’ identification cards to registered voters who were affected by the ongoing conflict in Marawi City.
Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said the poll body’s en banc approved the issuance of the temporary IDs which will be given to those who fled the city due to the clashes between government troops and the Maute terror group.
“The Commission en Banc passed a resolution giving free temporary IDs to registered voters of Marawi. The temporary IDs of Marawi voters can be distributed in evacuation centers,” she added.
It was reported that more than 200,000 people have already been displaced from Marawi City since the hostilities erupted last month.
The polÅ‚ body official noted that the temporary voters’ IDs are going to help identify evacuees, who are often left without any proof of identities after being displaced.
“When people are dislocated or evacuated because of armed conflict, it is very helpful if they have a governnent ID,” Guanzon explained.
She added, “The military and police ask for IDs at the checkpoints. Voters ID, even if temporary, are valid.”
The city has over 54,000 registered voters.
A voters’ ID is issued to all registered voters. It is a valid ID recognized by all government offices and banks, but it is not a requirement for a person to vote.
