By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Occidental revealed yesterday that the number of registrants during the first three days of voter registration for the 2025 midterm elections has reached almost 4,600.

Comelec-NegOcc elections supervisor Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria noted that even though they noticed a drop in registrants since the registration started last Monday, February 12, it is still significant that many continue to register.

Ananoria said other transactions, such as transfer, correction and reactivation of registration, are accommodated, but new registrants are given priority.

He hopes that the number of registrants will not decrease until they reach the target of 200,000 registrants for the province.

The nationwide target is set at three million voters by September 30 of this year.

Ananoria further stated that Comelec offices in the province have not encountered major problems thus far.

The Comelec-NegOcc will launch the Register Anywhere Program (RAP) on February 23, which aims to provide convenience for applicants as they can register at any Comelec office.

Election officers from local government units in Negros Occidental will accommodate inquiries or clarifications from registrants during the RAP.

The poll body will observe the RAP to determine its impact on voters, and if it effectively attracts a higher turnout of registrants.

The Comelec also reminded applicants to bring government-issued IDs during the registration, as company IDs are no longer accepted.

A barangay clearance with the registrant’s photo and permanent address will now be accepted./DGB, WDJ