The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Monday, January 12, 2026, a significant surge in applications for the upcoming local polls. The election body reported that approximately 1.18 million Filipinos have already signed up to participate in the November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
Breaking Down the Voter Registration Numbers
Data collected by Comelec from October 20, 2025, to January 11, 2026, reveals a total of 1,187,115 applicants. A detailed breakdown shows that the majority, or 915,062 individuals, registered for the barangay elections. Meanwhile, a younger demographic of 272,053 applicants signed up to vote in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls, which is dedicated to youth leadership.
Top Performing Regions in Voter Sign-Up
The Calabarzon region (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) led the nation with the highest number of new registrants, recording an impressive 244,836 applicants. The National Capital Region (NCR) followed in second place with 141,005 individuals, while Central Luzon secured the third spot with 138,683 applicants. These figures highlight active civic engagement in the country's most populous areas.
Comelec's innovative Register Anywhere/Anytime Program (RAP), designed to make registration more accessible, has also seen success, processing 2,011 applicants outside of traditional local offices.
Registration Drive Continues Toward 1.4M Target
The voter registration period for the 2026 BSKE remains open and will continue until May 18, 2026. With the current tally at 1.18 million, the Commission has set an ambitious goal to enlist a total of 1.4 million new voters before the deadline. This initiative underscores Comelec's commitment to ensuring every eligible citizen can exercise their right to vote in these crucial grassroots elections that determine local leadership.
Prospective voters are encouraged to visit any Comelec office or designated registration site to file their applications. The ongoing drive is a critical step in shaping the future of every barangay and engaging the Filipino youth in the democratic process.
