Many people lament that politics in the country seems to be hopeless, that they cannot hope to see change under the present system. But many of these people are those who do not actively participate in political activities, such as voting in elections. Some of them do not even bother to register as voters.

An estimated one million voters failed to register during the registration period that ended on Oct. 31. Now, the Commission on Elections is giving these slackers another chance to register. They will have no more excuse to complain. But they have to go to the registration centers and register so that they can vote in the elections in May 2010.

The 2010 elections are crucial; they will determine the political direction of the nation in the next six years after a dark period of political and moral devastation during the Arroyo administration. The people have the power to bring about change. But first they have to register, and later, go out and vote, and vote intelligently.