To avoid delays on election day, officials in Mangaldan, Pangasinan have started sending out official ballots earlier than usual.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Mangaldan requested for an early distribution to make sure the ballots arrive before voting begins at 5 a.m. on Monday, May 12.

“Nag-request kami kasi maaga ang eleksyon, 5AM, so kung madaling araw pa ibyahe ang mga ballots mahirapan na sila,” Municipal Election Officer Gloria Cadiente said.

The ballots will go directly to each voting center a day before the election

“Kailangan nandoon na a day before, tapos diretsyo ‘yan sa voting center,” Cadiente added.

Security is tight. Police officers will be assigned to each center, while the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office will also conduct regular rounds and inspections to ensure the safety of the ballots and Automated Counting Machines (ACMs).

Teachers serving as Electoral Board members said this move gives them more time to prepare.

“Okey po ‘yun para hindi exhausted ang mga guro,” Dr. Liza Lojo, DESO at Mangaldan Central School, said.

COMELEC Region 1 Acting Director, Atty. Reddy Balarbar, confirmed that other local offices are also doing early distribution.

“In fact, may mga na-monitor [na request for official ballot early distribution] tayo, and eventually mag su-submit din sila ['yung Provincial Election Supervisor] ng mga na-approved for early distribution,” he said.