LOOKING to attract more new voters particularly from the youth sector, the Commission on Elections will conduct voters’ registration even during Saturdays and holidays.

Comelec Chairman Jose Melo said the commission has approved Resolution 8585 last week which allowed voters registration on Saturdays and holidays except on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

The new ruling amends Resolution 8514 which mandated registration only during weekdays. The Comelec resumed registration of voters—including new registrants, and those seeking to transfer their records or make changes in their records—starting Dec. 2, 2008 and ending on Dec. 15, 2009.

“There is a public clamor to open registration during Saturdays to accommodate the youth-students and the busy workers, who have no time to register during the weekdays,” Melo said.

The poll body said it recognized the need to encourage wider voter participation and to acknowledge the youth’s role in nation building.

“As they will comprise the majority of the first-time registrants, the commission deemed it best to lift the afore-cited time limitation in Sec. 6 and to provide additional registration days and holidays falling on weekdays, except Holy Thursday and Good Friday on April 9 and 10, 2009,” the Comelec said.

Melo said he has instructed the regional and local election officers to make sure their respective offices are open during Saturdays and holidays to accommodate those who wish to register. Arlie Calalo