ILOILO — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is urging thousands of unregistered Western Visayans to rush to registration centers today, May 18, warning that failure to register before the deadline this afternoon will bar them from voting in the November 2, 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
Comelec Region 6 director Atty. Dennis Ausan made the appeal as election offices across the region prepare for an expected surge of last-minute applicants on the final day of voter registration.
“Magkadto sa nagkalain-lain nga opisina sang Office of Election Officer,” Ausan said.
The poll body said all Offices of the Election Officer (OEOs) will remain open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today to accommodate voter registration and other election-related transactions.
Aside from new voter registration, Comelec is also accepting applications for transfer of registration records, correction of entries, reactivation and reinstatement of voter records, and updating of records for persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, indigenous peoples (IPs), and other vulnerable sectors.
Ausan advised applicants to arrive early to avoid overcrowding and possible cutoffs caused by heavy turnout.
Registration is crucial for qualified voters who want to participate in the BSKE scheduled on Nov. 2.
Previously registered Sangguniang Kabataan voters do not need to register again for BSKE 2026.
Meanwhile, Comelec-Iloilo City announced that voter registration activities today will be held at the Fountain Area of Robinsons Place Iloilo to accommodate a larger number of registrants.
Voter registration for BSKE 2026 officially began on Oct. 25, 2025.
Comelec reminded applicants to bring the required documents depending on the service they are availing themselves of.
Regular voters aged 18 years old and above must present a government-issued ID and a photocopy of the ID.
Eligible Katipunan ng Kabataan voters aged 15 to 17 years old are required to bring a photocopy of their birth certificate together with a government-issued ID or school ID.
Applicants seeking correction of entries must bring a photocopy of their birth certificate, while those requesting changes in civil status are required to present supporting documents such as a marriage certificate, court order, certificate of finality, or Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR), whichever is applicable./PN
