Comelec sets special voting hours for PWDs, seniors, pregnant voters

National

AS THE upcoming elections draw near, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is making it easier for everyone to have their voices heard.

Whether it’s a senior citizen, a person with a disability, pregnant, or someone working on election day, the Comelec is offering special voting hours and programs to ensure that no one misses out on the chance to vote.

The Comelec has announced special provisions for early voting hours to assist seniors, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant voters in casting their ballots ahead of the May 12, 2025 elections.

Early voting hours have been designated from 5:00 to 7:00 a.m. to accommodate these voters, ensuring a smoother and more accessible voting process.

According to Atty. Frances Carolyn Aguindadao-Arabe, Director III and head of the special task force for early voting hours, the move aims to make the electoral process more convenient for those with mobility challenges.

For seniors who are unable to make it within the designated time frame, priority lanes will be available at any time during the voting period at their respective precincts.

Additionally, those assisting seniors are allowed to vote alongside them, provided they are assigned to the same precinct.

This early voting initiative is part of the broader efforts by the Comelec to ensure that all eligible voters, particularly those with special needs, can participate in the democratic process without undue difficulty.

Meanwhile, the Local Absentee Voting (LAV) program kicked off on April 28, 2025, and will run until April 30. This initiative is aimed at government employees and other qualified individuals who are unable to vote on election day due to their official duties.

The LAV period allows over 57,689 individuals, including police officers, soldiers, government personnel, and members of the media, to cast their votes early.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia emphasized the importance of participation in the LAV program, which is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The LAV program recognizes the vital contributions of these individuals, with Garcia expressing appreciation for their service. "You’re all heroes to us, so we want to give you this special treatment," he said.

The LAV roster includes 29,030 personnel from the Armed Forces, 23,448 members of the Philippine National Police, 4,206 government employees, and 1,005 media personnel, all of whom play crucial roles in the election process.(TGP)