AT LEAST four of five registered voters are projected to cast their votes during the May 13 midterm elections, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
In a press conference on Friday, May 3, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said they estimate voter turnout on May 13 at 80 percent because of the high level of political engagement as seen, among others, through social media, and the #One Destination campaign that urges voters to cast their votes.
“There is room to believe and to be cautiously optimistic that we will have higher turnout than expected. We are hoping that we come close to 80-81 percent,” said Jimenez.
He said political interest is high following the 81-percent voter turnout in the 2016 presidential elections.
“Coming off the 81-percent voter turnout from 2016, from anecdotal reports of more people engaged in the elections, and certainly on social media, you could see that sort of engagement existing,” said Jimenez.
Comelec data shows that the voter turnout has been on an upswing in the last four national political exercises.
Prior to the 81-percent turnout in 2016, the voter turnout in the 2007, 2010, and 2013 polls were 73 percent, 74 percent, and 77 percent, respectively.
Jimenez also noted how the #OneDestination campaign, the newly-forged partnership with transportation firm Grab Philippines, is expected to help encourage more voters to cast their votes. The campaign was launched Friday.
Under the #OneDestination campaign, Grab Philippines will help in voter information and debunking voting myths by distributing Comelec pamphlets to their customers.
Jimenez said there are registered voters, who decide to vote only on Election Day.
“A lot of people decide to vote only on Election Day. So if you take a Grab car and you recieve this pamphlet, there is an increased chance that you will decide on that day to vote. So we expect to see higher than average voter turnout,” said Jimenez.
Also, on May 13, voters in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu can avail of the P50 discount when they go to the voting centers by using the GrabShare discount code ONEDESTINATION.
“Through this campaign, we aim to inspire every voter's confidence and trust in the voting system, and move the Philippines forward to one destination, together,” said Grab Philippines president Brian Cu. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)