Comelec Records Over 130,000 New Voters in Negros Island Region
BACOLOD CITY – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Negros Island Region registered a remarkable 130,378 new voter applicants from August 1 to 10. This surge in registrations comes ahead of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), local officials reported.
Negros Occidental led the registration drive with 78,313 applicants, followed by Negros Oriental with 47,648, and Siquijor with 4,417. The influx highlights the growing political engagement in the region, sources said.
Youth Voter Surge Fuels Registration Numbers
Comelec NIR Director Lionel Marco Castillano noted a significant rise in voter registration among young Filipinos aged 15 to 17, who are eligible to vote in the Sangguniang Kabataan elections. “Their enthusiasm was surprising,” he remarked, citing long lines and even an incident where a young registrant fainted in Valencia, Negros Oriental.
This youthful energy reflects a renewed interest in local governance and community participation, community members observed.
Review and Approval Process for Voter Applications
The Election Registration Boards (ERBs) will conduct hearings on August 26 to review all voter registration applications. These boards are responsible for approving or disapproving applications to ensure all registrants meet the qualifications.
In cases where no objections are raised, applications will be automatically approved, officials reported.
Contingency Plans for Possible BSKE Postponement
Castillano explained that if the BSKE, currently scheduled for December, is postponed, voter registration will resume during the last week of October and continue until July 2026. This plan ensures that voters will have ample opportunity to register despite any scheduling changes.
Addressing Registration Capacity in Bacolod City
Due to the high volume of applicants in Bacolod City, Comelec officials plan to request additional voter registration machines. Currently, only three machines are available, but there is a proposal to increase this number to five to better accommodate the public’s needs, local leaders noted.
The proactive measures and impressive registration numbers underscore the region’s commitment to a robust democratic process. The enthusiasm, especially among young voters, signals a promising future for civic engagement in the Negros Island Region.
For more news and updates on voter registration, visit Filipinokami.com.
