US East Coast records lowest voter turnout using online voting

NEW YORK — The lowest voting turnout was recorded in ten states along the East Coast covered by the New York Consulate.

Out of 31,990 eligible voters, only 2,500 overseas voters participated using the first online voting system.

This accounts for only more than 7 percent of the eligible voters on the East Coast.

According to New York Consul General Senen Mangalile, who is also the acting chairman of the Special Board of Election Inspectors, system problems and lack of information dissemination were the main issues for the low turnout.

He said the consulates did everything they could to inform voters about the new voting system, but a month was not enough to spread the information.

"We are quite disappointed that we only achieved a 7.81 percent turnout out of over 31,000 voters—about 2,500 voters even participated in the midterm election. This is quite low. We did everything we could to reach voters."

Meanwhile, the leaders on among East Coast voters included former Senators Bam Aquino, Kiko Pangilinan, Heidi Mendoza, Bong Go, Bato Dela Rosa, Teddy Casino, Ping Lacson, Tito Sotto, Vic Rodriguez, Rodante Marcos, Luke Espiritu, and Arlene Brosas.

On the other hand, the ML Partylist led by former Senator Leila de Lima, was also prominent.

According to Mangalile, they will conduct an assessment of the entire online voting process, and the findings will be forwarded by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

"There will be an assessment of the entire exercise, and we will be working with the Department of Foreign Affairs to communicate our findings to the Commission on Elections." Mangille told GMA integrated News. — BAP, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.