The Commission on Elections announced impressive numbers for the ongoing voter registration ahead of the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, with hundreds of thousands of Filipinos already signing up to participate in the democratic process.
Massive Voter Turnout for Local Elections
On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the Commission on Elections revealed that more than 480,000 applicants have already filed their registration to become legitimate voters for the upcoming November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). The collected data spanning from October 20 to November 16 shows an impressive total of 483,334 registration applicants nationwide.
Breaking down the numbers, the Comelec data indicates that 389,042 individuals applied to vote in the barangay elections, while 94,292 young Filipinos registered to participate in the Sangguniang Kabataan polls. This significant turnout demonstrates strong public interest in the upcoming local elections that will determine community leaders across the country.
Regional Registration Hotspots
The Calabarzon region emerged as the area with the highest number of registrants, recording 103,752 applicants seeking to exercise their right to vote. Following closely behind are two other key regions: the National Capital Region with 63,630 applicants and Central Luzon with 54,080 individuals completing their voter registration.
Meanwhile, the innovative Register Anywhere/Anytime Program (RAP) has attracted 1,911 applicants who took advantage of the more flexible registration system designed to make the process more accessible to all eligible voters.
Registration Period Continues
The Comelec emphasized that the voter registration period will continue running until May 18, 2026, giving all qualified Filipinos ample time to register. This extended timeline ensures that every eligible citizen can participate in electing their local leaders during the November 2026 polls.
The substantial registration numbers recorded in just the first few weeks indicate a promising trend toward increased voter participation in the upcoming barangay and youth council elections, which play a crucial role in community governance and development throughout the Philippines.