Comelec reports high turnout at special polling places for PWDs, senior citizens

Accessible polling precincts set aside for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and for the elderly registered a high turnout in the barangay elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Monday.

Comelec commissioner Luie Guia said 36 of 37 voters who agreed to vote in a special polling area in SM Manila did so on Monday. The polling place in SM City Lipa in Batangas, meanwhile,had a turnout of 37 out of 44 registered PWDs and elderly voters.

Turnout was also high at special polling places at SM City Cebu, at 73 of 75, and at SM City General Santos City, where 59 of 68 voters showed up.

Before the elections, the Comelec met with PWDs and senior citizens in pilot areas and gave them the choice to vote either at the malls or at their regular polling precincts.

The poll commission put up the four pilot areas in preparation for full implementation of a law signed in February authorizing the Comelec to assign polling places for the exclusive use of PWDs and senior citizens.

Around 54 million registered voters were expected to vote in the October 28 village polls. — JDS/ELR, GMA News