Baguio City’s Commission on Elections (Comelec) is actively promoting the local absentee voting (LAV) option for the upcoming elections. John Paul Martin, the Comelec-Baguio Election Officer, emphasized that LAV is designed for individuals such as police officers, soldiers, teachers, government employees, and media personnel who will be unable to vote on election day, scheduled for May 12. Eligible voters can register for LAV at the Comelec central office in Manila or at local Comelec offices until the deadline on March 7. LAV is exclusively for national positions, with voting taking place from April 28 to 30, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Martin highlighted that this initiative enables those on election duty to participate in the electoral process despite being away from their home precincts. For instance, a police officer from Abra assigned to election duties in Mindanao can still vote through LAV. Martin also noted that participating in LAV not only upholds one’s constitutional right but also keeps the voter’s record active. The LAV ballots will be processed separately, ensuring a distinct voting and canvassing process from regular voters.
