• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported that 2,700,146 registered voters in Negros Occidental are eligible to cast their votes in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled on Nov. 2 this year.
Provincial Election Supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria said the number of voters for BSKE 2026 reflects a slight increase compared to the 2.009 million voters recorded during the 2025 midterm elections.
The figure was based on data released by the Comelec following the latest Election Registration Board hearing conducted on June 1.
Of the total number of registered voters for BSKE 2026, highly urbanized Bacolod City recorded the highest number at 475,743. This was followed by the sixth legislative district with 425,608 voters, the third district with 424,441, the fifth district with 412,034, the first district with 346,292, the fourth district with 332,811, and the second district with 212,281 registered voters.
The Comelec has set the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) for BSKE 2026 from Sept. 28 to Oct. 5.
Under Comelec Resolution No. 11191, which outlines the calendar of activities for the November 2 polls, the election period will run from October 3 to November 9. The campaign period is scheduled from Oct. 22 to Oct. 31. | GPB
