MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced a new policy that will enable early voting hours for vulnerable sector members nationwide in the 2025 midterm elections. This decision builds on the success of a pilot program initiated during the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.
According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia explained that the elderly, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women will be permitted to cast their votes from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., ahead of the general voting population. This measure aims to provide a more accessible and comfortable voting experience for these groups, allowing them to vote in cooler temperatures and less crowded conditions.
Garcia highlighted the positive feedback from the pilot phase, noting that many seniors were already lined up as early as 3 a.m. during the previous elections, eager to take advantage of the quieter early hours. While early voting remains optional, it offers an alternative for those who prefer to avoid the busier times later in the day.
This policy change represents a significant step in ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in Philippine elections, especially for those who might find the standard voting environment challenging.