Comelec Considering Setting Up Voting Precincts in Malls Across the Philippines
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is exploring the possibility of establishing voting precincts at malls across the country for the 2025 national and local elections to provide convenience to voters.
During a registration program at the University of Santo Tomas, Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia mentioned that the commission is considering mall voting to address the long queues typically experienced by voters on Election Day.
Garcia suggested using public places within barangays as voting venues instead of only relying on public elementary schools. However, he clarified that the details of the proposal are still being finalized, and consultations with registered voters will be conducted.
While acknowledging that some voters may prefer not to cast their votes in malls, Garcia emphasized the importance of convenience, especially for individuals with mobility issues. He assured that the commission will consider the preferences of residents in barangays before designating mall voting venues.
If mall voting is implemented, it will only be available in barangays where malls are present, and voters from remote areas will not be required to travel long distances to urbanized areas to cast their votes.
The consultation on mall voting is expected to begin after the conclusion of the voters’ registration on September 30. According to Garcia, the Comelec has already registered 1.3 million new voters nationwide.
