Baguio: The Commission on Elections (Comelec)-Baguio is urging eligible individuals to avail of the local absentee voting (LAV) option. Comelec-Baguio Election Officer John Paul Martin emphasized that LAV serves as a crucial opportunity for police officers, soldiers, teachers, other government employees, and members of the media who are unable to vote on May 12 due to their official duties.

According to Philippines News Agency, individuals interested in participating in the LAV can submit their applications either at the Comelec central office in Manila or at local Comelec offices until March 7. This voting option is specifically available for national positions, with the voting period scheduled from April 28 to 30, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Martin highlighted the initiative as a means for those with election duties to still engage in the electoral process despite being unable to vote at their designated precincts. He cited an example of a police officer stationed in Abra who is assigned to Mindanao for election duty, illustrating how LAV enables such individuals to exercise their right to vote.

Moreover, Martin noted that participation in LAV not only upholds one's constitutional right but also ensures that the voter's record remains active. After being marked, the ballots will be sealed and sent to the LAV division, where they will subsequently be processed through an automatic counting machine.

The procedure involves a distinct canvassing and voting process, as the LAV utilizes different ballots from those used by regular voters, Martin explained.