Over 2.6 Million Filipinos Seek Voter Registration for 2026 Barangay and SK Elections
A significant surge in civic engagement is underway in the Philippines, as more than 2.6 million individuals have applied to become registered voters in preparation for the upcoming November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has officially disclosed that a total of 2,633,268 applications have been received across all regions during the registration period from October 20, 2025, to February 28, 2026.
Regional Breakdown of Voter Registration Applications
Calabarzon emerges as the frontrunner in this electoral drive, with an impressive 464,567 applicants. Following closely are Central Luzon with 307,103 applicants and the National Capital Region with 277,477. Other regions demonstrating substantial interest include Central Visayas with 156,370, Bicol Region with 153,003, Negros Island Region with 135,028, Northern Mindanao with 130,035, and Davao Region with 124,199 applicants.
Special Programs and Registration Timelines
In addition to the standard registration process, the Register Anywhere/Anytime Program has attracted 4,373 applicants, offering greater flexibility for citizens. The nationwide voter registration period, which excludes the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), commenced on October 20, 2025, and is scheduled to conclude on May 18, 2026. Comelec aims to enroll as many as four million individuals by the end of this period.
For the BARMM, the registration window is notably shorter, running from February 9 to March 31, 2026. Approximately 100,000 individuals are projected to apply for voter registration in this region, reflecting a tailored approach to accommodate local circumstances.
This widespread participation underscores a robust democratic process, with Filipinos actively preparing to exercise their right to vote in the forthcoming local elections.
