Published on: January 23, 2026, 12:35 pm
Comelec Sets Goal for Youth Voter Registration in Upcoming Elections
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced an ambitious target to register a minimum of two million young voters for the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), which are scheduled to take place on November 2. In a recent interview on Friday, January 23, 2026, Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia emphasized the poll body's commitment to enhancing voter accessibility, particularly for the youth demographic.
Satellite Registration Sites to Facilitate Youth Participation
Chairman Garcia revealed that Comelec plans to establish satellite registration sites across the country to make the voter registration process more convenient and reachable, especially for young Filipinos. He stated, "Based on latest estimate, we will be able to register four million new voters, and half of them, or about two million, are youth who will vote for the SK (Sangguniang Kabataan). Our youth are willing to participate in the election process." This initiative aims to tap into the enthusiasm of SK voters, who are aged between 15 and 24 years old.
Voter Education Drive in Samar Highlights Importance of Youth Engagement
In a related effort to boost voter awareness, Garcia, along with other senior Comelec officials, recently led a voter education campaign in Basey, Samar. The event attracted approximately 1,000 senior high school students and local officials, underscoring the commission's proactive approach to engaging the youth. Garcia explained, "We have been going to provinces to make them feel that they are important. We want to give each voter the chance to register and vote." This outreach is part of a broader strategy to ensure that all eligible voters, particularly the younger generation, are informed and empowered to exercise their democratic rights.
Current Registration Statistics and Timeline
As of January 18, 2026, Comelec has recorded a total of 1,356,410 registered voters for the BSKE. This figure includes 1,028,835 regular voters and 327,575 SK voters. Voter registration resumed on October 20, 2025, and will continue until May 18, 2026, providing ample time for individuals to complete the process. The commission's efforts are focused on increasing these numbers, with a special emphasis on the youth segment to ensure robust participation in the upcoming elections.
