Malls Prepare Voting Precincts Ahead of May 12 Elections
Several shopping malls have set up voting precincts inside their premises just days before the midterm elections on Monday, May 12. This initiative aims to give voters a convenient and comfortable place to cast their ballots.
In the City of Manila alone, one mall will accommodate nearly 700 registered voters from Barangay 659. This is part of a larger program by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), involving 42 malls nationwide.
Focus on Accessibility and Comfort
The Comelec’s mall voting program prioritizes the needs of vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and pregnant women. To serve them better, designated express lanes are available to ensure faster and easier voting.
According to Comelec officials, only registered voters residing near the malls are assigned to vote in these precincts. The decision followed consultations with the local communities to ensure smooth implementation.
Efficient Voting Experience with Full Facilities
The voting precincts inside malls will open as early as 5 a.m. for vulnerable sectors, while other voters may start at 7 a.m. Each precinct is fully equipped with the same number of vote-counting machines as traditional precincts to maintain efficiency and accuracy.
Media personnel and poll watchers also have designated areas within the mall precincts, ensuring transparency throughout the process.
Free Support from Mall Owners
Notably, mall owners and management are lending their facilities, staff, and equipment without charge. This collaboration helps create a peaceful and safe voting environment.
Comelec emphasizes that the goal is a higher voting experience—free from tension, violence, and fear. This setup encourages more Filipinos to exercise their right to vote with confidence and ease.
For more updates on election preparations, stay tuned to trusted news sources and official announcements.