Antique: With preparations nearly complete for the May 12 National and Local Elections (NLE), the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is urging senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant women to take advantage of early voting hours on election day. Comelec Acting Assistant Regional Director Wil Arce±o, who also serves as Antique's Provincial Election Supervisor, stated that polling precincts will open as early as 5 a.m. on May 12.

According to Philippines News Agency, priority will be given to PWDs, senior citizens, and pregnant women during the early voting window. Arce±o noted that in case these groups need assistance, they may request help from the electoral board. He also mentioned that voters registered as illiterate could ask for assistance if needed. The official ballots are expected to be delivered to the province by May 3, where they will be stored with the provincial treasurer before distribution to municipal treasurers.

The automated counting machines (ACMs) have been fully delivered to Antique's 18 local government units (LGUs) between April 27 and April 30. These machines are scheduled for testing and sealing on May 7 in designated schools and venues to ensure they are accurate and fully functional. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will assist during canvassing, especially in case of technical issues.

Arce±o also reported that during the April 30 absentee voting, 31 individuals cast their votes-27 from the Antique Provincial Police Office, including maritime and forensic personnel, and four from the Comelec provincial office.