THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) expects the number of additional voter registrants to surpass 1.4 million by May 2026, as the nationwide registration resumes following the Undas break.
Comelec chairman George Garcia said the poll body has already recorded around 2.8 million registrants for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections from Aug. 1 to 10 this year.
With the continuing turnout of applicants, Garcia said the total number of registered voters could reach the unprecedented 100-million mark before the 2026 elections.
“We are optimistic that the number of new registrants will continue to rise in the coming months,” Garcia said, urging eligible citizens to register early and not wait for the deadline.
The Comelec has reopened its offices nationwide and in select satellite registration sites, such as malls and schools to accommodate more applicants.
Registration time typically run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays, including holidays except on declared breaks.
Garcia reminded the public that those who will turn 15 years old on or before May 18, 2026, are eligible to register and vote in the SK elections.
Meanwhile, citizens who will be 18 years old or older by that date may register for the barangay elections.
The continuing registration is part of Comelec’s early preparations for the synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls, as well as the 2025 midterm elections.
Garcia said the Comelec was working closely with local government units, schools, and civil society groups to ensure smooth and accessible voter registration across the country.
