ILOILO City – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is calling on over 3.1 million registered voters in Western Visayas to actively participate in today’s midterm elections, warning that failing to vote is a wasted opportunity to shape the country’s leadership over the next three years.
“Please go out and vote and let your voice be heard,” stressed Comelec Region 6 director Atty. Dennis Ausan. “This is your chance to choose who will govern us. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by.”
As of latest data, the region has 3,128,562 registered voters across Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo — with Iloilo accounting for the largest share at 1.64 million.
Ausan reminded voters to make informed choices by researching their candidates’ background and track record, not merely relying on popularity or last-minute impressions.
He also outlined the voting schedule and encouraged the public to avoid the rush by coming early.
Voting hours will be as follows:
* 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. – Early voting hours exclusively for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant women (though they may also vote any time until 7 p.m.).
* 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Regular voting hours for the general public.
All polling centers will have priority lanes for seniors, PWDs, pregnant voters, Indigenous Peoples, and escorted Persons Deprived of Liberty.
To avoid confusion on election day, voters are encouraged to use the online Precinct Finder (https://precinctfinder.comelec.gov.ph/) by inputting their full name, birthdate, and place of registration to access details like their polling place, precinct number, and voter status.
Ausan emphasized the importance of checking these details in advance to prevent delays.
This will help voters find their precincts faster, instead of wasting time looking around on election day, he said.
He also warned against last-minute voting, noting that at 6:45 p.m., electoral board members will start listing the names of those still in line. Only those listed by that time will be allowed to cast their votes, even if voting stretches beyond 7 p.m.
Voters will be electing officials at both national and local levels, including:
* National – 12 senators and one party-list group
* Local – one congressional district representative, one governor, one vice governor, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, one city/municipal mayor, one city/municipal vice mayor, and city/municipal councilors.
Western Visayas has 3,389 barangays, 20,077 precincts, and 2,854 voting centers./PN
