The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced a significant surge in applications for the upcoming local elections. As of late Monday, December 15, 2025, more than 960,000 Filipinos have taken steps to secure their right to vote.
Voter Registration Numbers Show Strong Early Interest
Comelec data covering the period from October 20 to December 14, 2025, reveals a total of 962,615 applicants for voter registration. This early wave of sign-ups is for the crucial November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
The breakdown shows that the majority, 739,333 individuals, are applying to vote in the barangay elections. Meanwhile, 223,282 young Filipinos have applied to participate as voters in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls, which empowers youth leadership at the grassroots level.
Regional Leaders in Voter Registration
Geographic data highlights which regions are most active in the registration drive so far. Calabarzon leads the nation with an impressive 203,438 applicants.
It is closely followed by the National Capital Region (NCR) with 114,820 individuals, and Central Luzon with 114,628 applicants. These three regions collectively account for a substantial portion of the total applications received.
The Comelec's flexible Register Anywhere/Anytime Program (RAP) has also seen activity, registering 2,011 applicants who benefited from its convenient, location-independent process.
Deadline and Comelec's Registration Goal
The voter registration period for the 2026 BSKE is a lengthy one, providing ample opportunity for eligible citizens. It will continue to run until May 18, 2026.
With the current momentum, the election body has set an ambitious target. The Comelec is looking to enlist a total of 1.4 million new individuals into the voter registry before the deadline passes. This goal underscores the commission's effort to ensure broad participation in these foundational community elections.
The high number of early applications suggests strong public awareness and interest in shaping the future of local governance and youth representation across the Philippines.
