A total of 14 shopping malls in Metro Manila and selected provinces are set to participate in the pilot testing of the “mall voting scheme” introduced by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
According to Comelec Chairman George Garcia, the aim of the “mall voting” initiative is to provide a more convenient voting experience for senior citizens, pregnant individuals, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Comelec, along with officials from SM Supermalls and Robinsons Malls, has formally signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to facilitate mall voting on October 30.
Twelve malls will be involved in Metro Manila, one in Cebu, and another in Legazpi City, Bicol.
Garcia mentioned that consultations have been conducted with barangays near the participating malls. He emphasized that anyone who wishes to transfer their voting precinct to the malls can do so as part of the pilot test.
Approximately 300,000 voters will be included in the pilot test. Through this initiative, Comelec aims to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of this process, particularly in addressing issues like vote buying.
The implementation of this precinct transfer to malls will not incur any additional expenses for Comelec, as it falls under the corporate responsibility of the shopping malls.
If successful, this scheme may also be considered for the national and local elections in May 2025.
