THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced the implementation of special early voting hours for vulnerable sectors in the upcoming 2025 National and Local Elections.
Senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant voters will be allowed to cast their ballots from 5 to 7 a.m. at designated voting centers and select malls. This initiative is part of a nationwide effort to promote inclusive, safe, and convenient voting for those most in need of special consideration.
According to Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia, during the Forum on Election Operations with Automated Counting Machine (ACM) held in Davao City on Wednesday, April 30, the policy was created to ensure that these groups receive adequate care, especially in light of the anticipated heat on election day.
Garcia also shared that Priority Polling Places (PPPs) have been established to eliminate the need for senior citizens and PWDs to climb to upper floors of voting centers. These dedicated areas are designed to streamline the voting process for individuals with mobility challenges.
In addition, voter assistance desks, manned by volunteers, will be set up outside precincts to help guide voters to the correct polling places. These desks will also display photographs of registered voters to expedite identification and minimize confusion.
This local effort is aligned with a broader national initiative following the tripartite agreement signed earlier this year between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Comelec, and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA).
The agreement, formalized on March 10, at Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila, seeks to enhance the overall voting experience for vulnerable Filipinos.
According to DSWD Assistant Secretary Elaine Fallarcuna, who represented Secretary Rex Gatchalian during the signing, the partnership will focus on promoting accessibility, conducting inclusive information campaigns, and improving data-sharing processes.
A significant part of the agreement includes a data-sharing provision, ensuring the protection of sensitive information belonging to elderly and disabled voters.
As part of the collaboration, Comelec will also set up voter registration booths during the scheduled distribution of social pensions to help senior citizens update their voter records. Meanwhile, NCDA will provide nationwide PWD data through Comelec’s Vulnerable Sectors Office (VSO) to assist local election officers during voter registration and planning. DEF