If you've just recently hit 18 you should know that you now have an additional right aside from those that give you permission to party, listen to Emo music and play dumb. If you don't know what I'm talking about then you probably don't deserve it anyway so just leave and go back to whatever it is that you do in your spare time. But, if you're trying to appear interested you're welcome to read on.

As a legally recognized adult you now have the right to vote. You can now count yourself among the multitude of people all over the world who exercise this right during what is called an election.

In case you haven't heard the next elections will be held on May 2010. That's just a few months from now. If you want to participate then I suggest you start reading up on the issues affecting our country and the many personalities vying for the presidency and other positions.

But wait. Before you do that answer this question: Have you registered yet? I'm guessing you haven't yet because you're a party-going, Emo-loving young adult who occasionally likes to play dumb. Well, I have news for you. The deadline for registration for new voters is on Oct 31. That's just a couple of weeks away. I'm sure though you're not rattled at all because cramming is your standard approach to just about anything.

Now, as a favor to you I'm providing a list of links to relevant information that should help you figure out this registration thing.

general information about registration - http://www.comelec.gov.ph/faqs/faq_reg.html

registration procedure - http://www.comelec.gov.ph/contreg/2010_elections/procedures.html

panic-time support - http://www.comelec.gov.ph/contactus/contactus.html

There that should be enough to lessen your burden. But, in case you still have doubts about registering then spare a few minutes more to view this video from the Ateneo Task Force 2010 and the Loyola Film Center. Watch it. There are lots of good looking people in it.

In case you noticed that video was meant for Ateneo students. But don't let that get in the way of you exercising your patriotic duty. After all the message is kinda universal and applies to all new voters who haven't registered yet just like you.

And, one final thing. Do know that going out to register and vote trumps wearing the national colors on a shirt or something as silly as a dogtag.