Voter Turnout in Misamis Oriental Drops in 2025
Voter turnout in Misamis Oriental took a notable dip during the May 12, 2025 midterm elections. The province recorded a turnout of just 51 percent, a steep decline compared to the 86.8 percent participation seen in the 2022 elections. This drop raises concerns about electoral engagement in the area.
In contrast, Cagayan de Oro City, nearby, maintained relatively steady voter participation. The city saw 72 percent turnout in 2025, slightly higher than the 71.7 percent recorded in 2022, and not far from the 78.5 percent turnout in 2019.
Factors Behind the Voter Turnout Decline
The sharp fall in voter turnout in Misamis Oriental compared to previous midterms—78.7 percent in 2019—points to several possible causes. Voter fatigue and political disillusionment are significant factors, with many feeling that elections no longer bring meaningful change.
Outmigration also plays a role. Many registered voters may have moved away for work, education, or personal reasons and were unable to return home to vote. Furthermore, logistical challenges, security concerns, and limited voter education on new election rules may have discouraged participation in some areas.
Electoral Engagement Challenges
Misamis Oriental ranks as the 18th most vote-rich province nationwide, with over 1.1 million registered voters. It is also the third largest voter base in Mindanao, following Davao del Sur and Zamboanga del Sur. These numbers make the drop in voter turnout particularly striking and worthy of study.
Addressing the Decline in Voter Turnout
Experts stress the need for a thorough post-election review to understand why voter participation has dropped so dramatically. Cooperation among the election commission, civil society groups, and academic institutions will be vital in this effort.
“This dramatic shift calls for thoughtful examination. A comprehensive post-election assessment involving COMELEC, civil society organizations like NAMFREL, and academic institutions will be crucial,” said the watchdog group.
“Understanding the root causes of voter disengagement is key to restoring confidence in the electoral process and ensuring stronger turnout in future elections,” they added.
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