Voters’ turnout in last Monday’s midterm elections of 81.65 percent showed the Filipinos’ interest in participating in the country’s governance by exercising their right of suffrage.
Although the youth flexed their voting power in this election, the older electorate continued to set an example of good citizenship. Among the 55 million who showed up at the polls despite the heat, the overcrowding and technical malfunctions of the voting machines were senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs)
Accessible polling places were established by the Commission on Elections exclusively for PWDs and senior citizens as mandated by Republic Act 10366. They were also allowed to vote as early as 5 a.m. to avoid the crowd.
There were hitches, however, in the implementation of the law as there were cases of PWDs and senior citizens being made to go up to the higher floors.
PWDs and seniors’ citizens’ participation in the democratic practice is also a family and community affair. It’s heartwarming.
Photos for VERA Files by Bullit Marquez and Vincent Go.
