The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Philippines is set to introduce mall voting for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls aiming to make voting in upcoming elections easier for people.
On Monday, the poll body signed an agreement with two major mall operators in the country, which will enable approximately 300,000 people to cast their votes in malls on October 30.
Fourteen malls across the country will be used as venues for the first-ever mall voting exercise which includes Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Las Piñas, Robinsons Ermita, Robinsons Metro East, SM North EDSA, SM Manila, SM Sucat, SM Legazpi, Robinsons Cebu, and SM Consolacion Cebu.
The Comelec said that the aim is to make voting easier, particularly for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and heavily pregnant women.
Comelec added that no amount will be spent on the venue since the mall operators will provide the space for voting booths and security personnel.
Comelec will seek to expand mall voting nationwide if the pilot run is successful.
In addition, the poll body will be conducting a simulation of automated Barangay and SK elections on Tuesday in Quezon City and Dasmariñas, Cavite.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 8, 2023
