THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday said it is ready to hold the Local Absentee Voting (LAV) starting today for individuals who will be on election-related duties on May 12 polls.
In a phone interview, Comelec chairman George Garcia said urged the more than 57,000 policemen, soldiers, government personnel, and members of the media to cast their votes between today and Wednesday, April 30.
Garcia said the LAV is the Comelec’s way to recognize gallant services of men in uniform, government personnel and the media during Election Day.
“You’re all heroes to us so we want to give you this special treatment,” he said.
The Comelec has allowed 57,689 voters to vote ahead of the electorate. These include 29,030 AFP personnel; 23,448 PNP personnel; 4,206 government employees, and 1,005 members of the media.
They are set to vote for 12 senators and one party-list organization using the automated counting machines (ACMs).
Local absentee voters will cast their votes from April 28 to 30.
For government officials and employees, including policemen and military, they shall vote in the venues predetermined by the heads of offices/supervisors/commanders; while members of the media will vote at the Comelec offices where they filed their applications for LAV.
Back in the May 2022 polls, there were 84,357 qualified local absentee voters.
Comelec records show that the May 2022 LAV had an 88 percent voter turnout.
