By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Occidental said they have not received advice from its central office regarding an extension of the voter registration, which is until today.

Comelec-Negros Occidental elections supervisor Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria said all registrants who have already lined up 30 meters away from the registration center after the 5:00 p.m. deadline will only be accommodated.

According to Ananoria, last week’s registration period had leveled off, and they have noticed a drop of 400 registrants during the period.

As of January 28, data from Comelec-Negros Occidental showed newly-registered voters in the province were at 47,287.

Bacolod City is on top in the number of new voters at 12,482; followed by San Carlos City (3,073); Silay City (2,502); and Murcia town (2,083).

Meanwhile, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) registrants are at 11,640, with Bacolod still at the top.

Ananoria said those who will vote not just in the upcoming barangay and SK polls, but also in the 2025 midterm elections can register at their nearest Comelec office or at any available satellite registration venues.

Applicants are advised to bring valid proofs of identification such as National ID (PhilSys), passport, driver’s license, employment ID, student ID or library card signed by the management of the school, senior citizens ID, persons with disability ID, Indigenous Peoples Certificate from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, and notarized barangay certification with applicant’s photo and signature.

To qualify as a voter in the barangay election, applicants should be 18 years old and above, and reside in the area where he/she decides to get registered for at least six months prior to election day.

For SK voters, applicants must be 15 to 30 years old, and reside in the area where he/she is planning to get registered for at least six months prior to the day of elections./DGB, WDJ