• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
The Commission on Elections in Negros Island Region (Comelec-NIR) recorded 7,760 new registrants during the first week of December, and has urged the youth to take advantage of the break in classes to register.
From December 1 to 6, a total of 7,760 registrations were processed, bringing the region’s total to 41,515 registrants in the seven weeks since the resumption of registration.
Most registrations came from Negros Occidental, which accounted for 28,060 of the new registrants.
Comelec-NIR has set a target of achieving at least a 5 percent increase in registration turnout, compared to the pre-2025 midterm election figures.
Comelec-NIR Director Lionel Marco Castillano called on the youth, particularly those turning 15 on or before November 2, 2026, to maximize available days, especially Saturdays, to avoid long lines as the registration period continues. This age requirement applies to Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) voters.
Castillano also encouraged schools and institutions to coordinate with Comelec for off-site registration arrangements, which remain available by appointment. This initiative aims to make registration more accessible to students and first-time voters in the youth demographic.
He further announced that registration will be suspended on December 24, 25, 30, and 31, as well as January 1, 2026, in observance of national holidays and regular office closures.
Registration services are set to resume on January 2, 2026, when Comelec offices will once again accept applications from new and returning voters.*
