Comelec Records Over 1.46 Million Voter Applications for Upcoming 2026 Barangay and SK Elections
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has released a significant update on voter registration for the upcoming 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). In a report issued late Monday, January 26, 2026, the election body announced that approximately 1.46 million individuals have already submitted their applications to become registered voters in time for the polls scheduled for November 2026.
Breakdown of Voter Registration Data
According to the data collected from October 20, 2025, to January 25, 2026, the total number of applicants stands at 1,468,228. This figure is broken down into two main categories:
- Barangay Elections: A substantial majority of the applicants, totaling 1,113,418 individuals, have registered to participate in the barangay-level polls.
- Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections: Meanwhile, 354,810 applicants have signed up to become voters specifically for the youth council elections, highlighting active engagement among younger Filipinos.
Regional Leaders in Voter Registration
The Comelec data also reveals which regions are leading in terms of voter registration numbers. Calabarzon has emerged as the top region with the highest number of applicants, recording 284,933 individuals who have applied to register. Following closely are:
- Central Luzon with 174,791 applicants
- National Capital Region (NCR) with 166,457 applicants
These figures underscore the widespread interest and participation across key areas in the Philippines as the election season approaches.
Ongoing Registration Efforts and Goals
In addition to traditional registration methods, the Comelec has implemented the Register Anywhere/Anytime Program (RAP), which has so far attracted 2,336 applicants. This initiative is part of the commission's broader strategy to make voter registration more accessible and convenient for all eligible citizens.
The voter registration period is set to continue until May 18, 2026, giving Filipinos ample time to sign up. The Comelec has expressed its ambition to enlist as many as four million individuals by the deadline, aiming to ensure a robust and inclusive electoral process for the upcoming barangay and SK elections.
This early surge in applications indicates a strong public interest in local governance and youth representation, setting a positive tone for the 2026 polls.
