Public urged to join online survey on voting in malls

MANILA, Philippines - The public is urged to take part in an online survey on voting in shopping malls to give the Commission on Elections (Comelec) an idea of how they feel about the plan.

In a statement, spokesman James Jimenez said the Comelec will hold the survey for three weeks.

The public’s opinion is crucial when the poll body   consults various stakeholders on the plan, he added.

Jimenez said the Comelec is considering establishing select voting precincts in shopping malls in the National Capital Region and in the provinces.

“Ideally, this initiative can improve voting experience by maximizing available mall amenities like additional security and air-conditioned areas,” he said.

Voting in shopping malls will address problems expected at congested polling precincts in public schools, the Comelec said.

“Not all polling places will be in shopping malls,”   the Comelec said.

Under the plan, only polling precincts in public schools near shopping malls will be transferred. When no shopping mall is within the vicinity, precincts will remain in public schools.

To participate in the survey, the public may access. http://www.electionsphl.com/participate/mall-voting. 

The Comelec is expected to decide whether to hold elections in shopping malls in November when the poll precinct mapping shall have been completed.