The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Bacolod City is gearing up for the November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) by organizing satellite voter registration sessions. This initiative aims to make the registration process more accessible to residents ahead of the crucial local polls.
Satellite Registration Schedule and Locations
Bacolod Comelec officer Kathrina Trinio-Caña has announced that satellite voter registration will take place on February 27 and 28, 2026. On the first day, registration will be conducted at Barangay Banago Elementary School, followed by the Barangay Villamonte Covered Court on the second day. These off-site activities are designed to reach communities directly, ensuring broader participation.
Regular Registration Details
Prior to the satellite events, voter registration continues at the Comelec office near the BaysCenter from February 23 to 26, 2026. Trinio-Caña noted that while daily registration typically occurs at the Comelec-BaysCenter, operations there will be temporarily suspended during the satellite registration days to allocate resources effectively. Regular registration will resume immediately after the off-site schedules are completed.
All registration sessions, both at the main office and satellite locations, will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Comelec has urged prospective registrants to come prepared with necessary documents to streamline the process.
Document Requirements for Voter Registration
To ensure a smooth registration experience, Comelec emphasizes the importance of bringing proper identification. Registrants must present their identification cards (IDs) along with a photocopy. If the ID does not indicate the registrant's residence, additional proof such as water or electric bills is required.
For individuals without a valid ID, Comelec allows them to bring a guarantor who must provide a photocopy of their own ID. This measure helps accommodate all eligible voters, including those who may lack standard documentation.
Voter Registration Progress in Negros Island Region
In related developments, the Comelec in the Negros Island Region (NIR) has reported significant progress in voter registration for the 2026 BSKE. From February 16 to 21, 2026, the office processed applications for 13,414 new voters across Negros Island.
Breakdown by Province and Gender
The data reveals a detailed distribution of registrants:
- Negros Occidental: 8,903 registrants, comprising 4,713 females and 4,190 males.
- Negros Oriental: 4,197 registrants, with 2,324 females and 1,873 males.
- Siquijor: 314 registrants, including 152 females and 162 males.
Additionally, the Register Anywhere Program (RAP) facilitated 150 applicants from Negros Oriental during this period, highlighting the program's role in enhancing voter accessibility.
Cumulative Registration Figures
Since the voter registration drive began in October 2025, Comelec-NIR has accepted a total of 122,923 applications for the November 2026 Barangay and BSKE elections. The breakdown by province is as follows:
- Negros Occidental: 82,792 registrants
- Negros Oriental: 37,942 registrants
- Siquijor: 2,189 registrants
For the RAP, 814 applicants have been recorded in the same timeframe, with 676 from Negros Oriental and 138 from Negros Occidental. These numbers underscore the ongoing efforts to engage voters across the region as the election approaches.
