The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will assess whether the scheduled date for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), which falls on Nov. 2, 2026, or All Souls’ Day, will affect voter turnout.
The poll body admitted it cannot do anything about the date set by law for the election, even if it falls on All Souls’ Day, and could affect the number of voters because many will be busy honoring the dead.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously signed into law Republic Act 12232, which postpones the December 2025 BSKE to the first Monday of November 2026.
Meanwhile, Comelec Chairman George Garcia assured stakeholders that their preparations for the BSKE will continue despite being postponed.
He added that the poll body’s preparations will not be affected even though the President has signed a law extending the term of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials from three to four years.
Garcia said preparations are ongoing, just like for the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections on October 13, as it is still possible that it could be questioned by the Supreme Court. Ongoing work includes the procurement of election materials.
Comelec is also preparing to request additional funds to meet the need for additional ballots, precincts, teachers, and other equipment, due to the nearly 2.8 million newly registered voters.
