Comelec-NIR Registers 9,544 New Voters for Upcoming Barangay and SK Elections
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Negros Island Region (NIR) has successfully processed the applications of 9,544 new voters for the highly anticipated November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). This significant registration drive took place from March 16 to 21, 2026, marking a crucial step in preparing for the local polls.
Breakdown of New Registrants by Province
According to official Comelec-NIR records, the new voter applications are distributed across the provinces as follows:
- Negros Occidental leads with 7,037 registrants, comprising 3,695 females and 3,342 males.
- Negros Oriental follows with 2,349 registrants, including 1,217 females and 1,132 males.
- Siquijor recorded 158 registrants, with 76 females and 82 males.
Additionally, the Register Anywhere Program (RAP) facilitated 44 applicants during this period, with both Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental each contributing 22 registrants.
Cumulative Registration Figures Since October 2025
Since the voter registration period commenced in October 2025 and concluded on March 21, 2026, Comelec-NIR has accepted a total of 165,367 applications for the November 2026 Barangay and BSKE. The provincial breakdown is detailed below:
- Negros Occidental: 112,678 registrants
- Negros Oriental: 49,899 registrants
- Siquijor: 2,790 registrants
For the RAP, a total of 990 applicants have been recorded during the same timeframe, with Negros Oriental accounting for 812 registrants and Negros Occidental for 178.
Holy Week Office Closure Announcement
In related news, Comelec-NIR has announced that all Comelec offices will be closed from April 1 to April 5, 2026, in observance of Holy Week. Regular office transactions are scheduled to resume on April 6, 2026, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing electoral preparations.
This voter registration effort underscores Comelec's commitment to facilitating democratic participation in the upcoming local elections, with robust numbers reflecting strong civic engagement across the Negros Island Region.
