By CESAR JOLITO III

The Commission on Elections in Negros Island Region (Comelec-NIR) announced that voter registration services will be suspended on designated holidays this December, as well as on Sundays, in all its offices across the province.

Comelec-NIR Director Lionel Marco Castillano said there will be no voter registration on December 24, 25, 30, and 31, as well as on January 1, 2026, in observance of national holidays and regular office closures.

Registration services will resume on January 2, 2026, and Comelec offices will again begin accepting applications from new and returning voters.

Castillano called on the youth — especially those turning 15 years old on or before November 2, 2026 — to maximize available days, particularly Saturdays, to avoid long lines as the registration period progresses.

The age requirement applies to Sangguniang Kabataan voters.

He also encouraged schools and institutions to coordinate with Comelec for off-site registration, which remains open for scheduling.

This aims to make the registration process more accessible to students and young first-time voters./CJ, WDJ