Comelec-NIR Processes Over 8,700 New Voter Applications for Upcoming Barangay and SK Elections
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Negros Island Region (NIR) has successfully processed a substantial number of new voter applications in preparation for the November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). From April 7 to 11, 2026, the electoral body registered a total of 8,735 new voters across the region, marking a significant step in ensuring broad participation in the local polls.
Breakdown of New Registrants by Province and Gender
According to official Comelec-NIR records, the majority of these new registrants hail from Negros Occidental, with 6,111 individuals signing up. This group includes 3,153 female applicants and 3,058 male applicants, reflecting a balanced gender distribution. Negros Oriental contributed 2,276 new voters, comprising 1,153 males and 1,123 females, while Siquijor saw 248 registrants, with 131 males and 117 females.
Additionally, the Register Anywhere Program (RAP), designed to facilitate voter registration in accessible locations, accounted for 64 applications during this period. Of these, 48 were from Negros Occidental and 168 from Negros Oriental, highlighting the program's role in expanding electoral access.
Cumulative Registration Figures Since October 2025
Since the voter registration period commenced in October 2025 and continued through March 21, 2026, Comelec-NIR has accepted an impressive total of 183,187 applications for the November 2026 Barangay and BSKE elections. This cumulative figure includes 125,695 registrants from Negros Occidental, 54,208 from Negros Oriental, and 3,284 from Siquijor.
For the RAP initiative over the same timeframe, Comelec-NIR recorded 1,157 applicants. Notably, 320 of these registrants were from Negros Occidental, and 837 were also from Negros Occidental, underscoring the program's effectiveness in specific areas.
Upcoming Satellite Registration Events in Bacolod City
To further boost voter enrollment, Comelec will conduct satellite voter registration and RAP activities in Bacolod City. These events are scheduled for April 14, 15, 16, and 18 at the ground floor of North Block, SM City Bacolod. City Election Officer lawyer Kathrina Trinio-Caña emphasized the importance of this accessible venue, urging all qualified applicants to take advantage of the opportunity. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. each day.
Trinio-Caña also clarified that registration activities are temporarily unavailable every Monday due to the work-from-home setup implemented at Comelec offices and during satellite registration periods. She advised applicants to bring both original and photocopied versions of all required documents, along with valid identification cards addressed to Barangay Taculing, to expedite processing.
Furthermore, she noted that additional supporting documents might be requested by Comelec personnel during screening or queries, depending on the specific application type or requirements presented. Comelec encourages early registration to avoid long queues and ensure a smooth process for all participants.
