Comelec-Davao Processes Over 107,000 Voter Applications Ahead of Barangay and SK Elections
The Commission on Elections in Davao Region (Comelec-Davao) has reported a significant surge in voter engagement, with approximately 107,069 applications processed from October 2025 to February 14, 2026. This figure encompasses a variety of registration activities, not limited to new sign-ups.
Comprehensive Registration Efforts
Atty. Gay Enumerables, assistant regional director of Comelec-Davao, clarified that the processed applications include transfers, reactivations, and corrections, in addition to new registrations. She emphasized the ongoing voter registration period, which runs from October 18, 2025, to May 18, 2026, operating Monday through Friday, including holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
During the Kapehan sa Dabaw event on February 16, 2026, at SM City Davao, Enumerables urged first-time voters, particularly those eligible for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, to visit Comelec offices. "We encourage first-time voters, especially those who will participate in the SK elections, to visit our offices," she stated.
Targeted Outreach and Requirements
For Davao City's first, second, and third districts, voter registration is conducted at Comelec offices located in Magsaysay Park. To boost youth participation, Comelec-Davao actively visits large schools with senior high school programs to register individuals aged 15 to 18 for the SK elections.
The registration requirements are straightforward, including:
- A valid school identification card
- A library card
- Any government-issued identification document
Enumerables also issued a warning to voters, noting that failure to vote in two consecutive elections could lead to deactivation and delisting from registration records, underscoring the importance of consistent civic participation.
Preparations for the Barangay and SK Elections
Comelec has been preparing for the upcoming Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE) since 2025. A recent legislative change now extends the term of BSKE officials to four years, adding a new dimension to the electoral process.
The BSKE is scheduled for November 2, 2026, which falls on the first Monday of November. Key dates for the election cycle include:
- Filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC): September 28 to October 5, 2026
- Election period: October 3 to November 9, 2026
- Campaign period: October 22 to 31, 2026
- Election Day: November 2, 2026
- Deadline for Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (Soce): December 2, 2026
These preparations highlight Comelec-Davao's commitment to ensuring a smooth and efficient electoral process, fostering democratic engagement across the region.
