The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced a temporary suspension of voter registration activities for the upcoming 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) during the holiday season. This pause will affect individuals aiming to sign up in time for the November 2026 polls.
Holiday Break for Registration Services
In line with Comelec Resolution No. 11177, all voter registration will be suspended on several key dates. The offices will be closed on December 24 (Christmas Eve) and December 25 (Christmas Day). Furthermore, registration services will also be unavailable on December 30 (Rizal Day), December 31 (New Year’s Eve), and January 1 (New Year’s Day).
This scheduled break provides a clear timeline for potential voters to plan their registration visits around the holidays, ensuring they are not inconvenienced by unexpected closures.
Strong Nationwide Turnout So Far
Despite the upcoming pause, the drive to register voters for the 2026 BSKE is off to a robust start nationwide. According to the latest Comelec data, a total of 1,020,694 applications have been filed from the period of October 20 to December 21.
A detailed breakdown of these applications reveals:
- 785,420 applications were for regular barangay voters.
- 235,274 applications were for Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) or youth council registrants.
This significant early interest highlights the public's engagement with the upcoming local and youth elections.
Ample Time Remains to Register
Prospective voters need not worry about missing their chance due to the holiday closures. The Comelec has set a lengthy registration period to accommodate all eligible Filipinos. The voter registration for both the barangay and SK elections will continue until May 18, 2026.
This extended timeline offers ample opportunity for first-time voters, those who need to reactivate their records, or individuals who have transferred residences to complete their registration after the holiday break.
The temporary suspension is a standard operational procedure, allowing Comelec personnel time off during national holidays while the overall registration process continues its successful trajectory toward the 2026 elections.
