Comelec observes ‘blockbuster’ number of voters in mall poll sites

International observers at SM North Skydome in Quezon City where the Commission on Elections set up a polling center on Monday, October 30, 2023, for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election. Photo courtesy of Comelec

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported a “blockbuster” number of registered voters who cast their ballots in mall polling centers on Monday, the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE) Day.

Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said all 11 mall voting sites are 100 percent operational.

“Gaya sa simulation exercises noong mga nakaraang buwan ay blockbuster din po ang mga kababayan na tumungo sa mga malls,” said Laudiangco in a press conference.

(As in the simulation exercises in the past months, the number of our fellow countrymen who trooped to the malls was also a blockbuster.)

READ: Barangay and SK Elections: Dos and Don’ts on election day

Laudiangco also reported a similar positive turnout during early voting hours, which the Comelec set up as a pilot test in Muntinlupa City and Naga City for members of the vulnerable sector.

“Kanina napaka successful po [ng early voting hours], napakataas ng porsyento ng senior citizens and PWDs (persons with disabilities) ang nag-avail ng 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. early voting dito sa Naga City at Muntinlupa City,” he said in a press conference.

(Earlier’s early voting hours were very successful, a very high percentage of senior citizens and PWDs availed themselves of the 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. early voting here in Naga City and Muntinlupa City.)

READ: Comelec eyes 75% voter turnout for BSKE

The Comelec official reminded registered voters to go to their polling places as early as possible to avoid long lines.

Registered voters may cast their ballot for the 2023 BSKE from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, October 30.

One barangay captain and seven sangguniang barangay (barangay council) members should be filled for the barangay election while one sangguniang kabataan (youth council) chairperson and seven SK members should be filled for the SK election.

READ: LIVE UPDATES: Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2023

Registered voters aged 31 and above would be given a ballot for the barangay poll while registered voters aged 18 to 30 would be given on ballot each for the barangay and SK polls. Registered voters aged 15 to 17 would be provided one ballot for the SK poll.