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| The proposed move would also help expedite the queues at voting precincts, which in turn will allow more citizens to cast their ballots, Angara argued.(Photo by=CNN PH) |
[Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana]A lawmaker is pushing for the conduct of early voting for around 10 million senior citizens and persons with disabilities to make sure greater turnout in the 2022 national elections and to cut health risks amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It would be better for our seniors and PWDs if they have a separate day to vote. It would be hard for them to line up under the sun, in a crowded place especially since there’s still a pandemic. We know how dangerous COVID-19 is for the elders, as there is still no vaccine for it,"the lawmaker added, noting he plans to file a bill that would pave the way for early voting in 2022. The proposed move would also help speed up the queues at voting precincts, which in turn will allow more citizens to cast their ballots, Angara argued.
He also urged the Commission on Elections to look into more accessible venues for the said sector, including gymnasiums or covered courts.Issues on the conduct of the 2022 elections recently surfaced after a lawmaker, during a budget hearing in Congress, asked Comelec if there are plans to postpone it due to the threat of the coronavirus. Malacañang, however, rejected the scenario, citing provisions in the Constitution.
