Negros oriental: More than half of the total applicants in Negros Oriental at the recently concluded voters' registration were the youth aged 14 to 17 years, a Commission on Elections (Comelec) official said Monday. Lawyer Lionel Marco Castillano, Election Director of the Comelec-Negros Island Region (NIR), expressed satisfaction with the turnout, particularly highlighting the significant number of youth voters.
According to Philippines News Agency, records from Comelec-NIR indicated that 47,633 applications were received and processed by the Comelec during the August 1 to 10 registration period. Out of these, 28,454 were young and first-time voters. Castillano hopes that these newly registered voters will actively participate in the upcoming elections.
The registration process was largely smooth, although it was reported that one young person fainted while waiting in line in Valencia town on Sunday. Castillano mentioned that they anticipate similar registration outcomes in Negros Occidental and Siquijor, with final registration data still being compiled.