BY: VANESSA BUGTONG

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has urged senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) to take advantage of early voting hours during the upcoming May 12 elections to avoid long lines and crowding at polling precincts.

Estela Dumas, a senior citizen who has been a registered voter in Baguio City for almost two decades, said she welcomes the opportunity to vote early.

“It gives me enough time to choose who to vote for, and I don’t have to rush,” she said.

Another voter, Maureen Puguen, a 55-year-old with poor eyesight, shared the same sentiment. “It’s better that we vote earlier so we don’t have to struggle with the crowd,” she said.

COMELEC said early voting hours, which begin as early as 5:00 AM, are designed to provide more time and comfort for vulnerable sectors during election day.

“This initiative ensures that they have ample time and space to vote properly without being overwhelmed by the usual turnout,” said Atty. Elenita Julia Tabangin-Capuyan, regional head for early voting.

COMELEC also reminded voters to locate their assigned precincts ahead of time and prepare a list of their chosen candidates to streamline the process.

For regular voters, polling stations will open at 7:00 AM and close by 7:00 PM.