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disabilities (PWDs) by giving them the option to vote earlier than the date set
for the elections.
SEC. 2. Early Voting. - For national and local elections, there shall be early
voting where qualified senior citizens and PWDs may choose to cast their
ballot at accessible establishments designated by the Commission on
Elections (COMELEC) within seven (7) working days before the date set for
the elections.
SEC. 3. Registration. - There shall be a nationwide registration for senior
citizens and PWDs to qualify them to avail of this early voting privilege. Those
who are not registered under this Act shall vote on Election Day.
SEC. 4. Obligations of the COMELEC. - To ensure the effective
implementation of this Act, the COMELEC shall:
(a) Keep a record of senior citizens and PWDs who are registered voters;
(b) Design a registration system, in coordination with local government
units, the National Council on Disability Affairs, the Commission on Human
Rights, the Department of Health and the Department of Interior and Local
Government, that allows senior citizens and PWDs to register and opt for early
voting;
(c) Ensure that polling places are safe and accessible to senior citizens
and PWDs, and properly fitted with the necessary communication, visual and
physical aids, as mandated under Republic Act No. 10366 entitled, An Act
Authorizing the Commission on Elections to Establish Precincts Assigned to
Accessible Polling Places Exclusively for Persons with Disabilities and Senior
Citizens”; and
(d) Mount an intensive information campaign on early voting for qualified
senior citizens and PWDs.
SEC 5. Appropriations. – The initial amount for the implementation of this
Act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the
COMELEC. Thereafter, the funding of which shall be included in the Annual
General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 6. Applicability of Other Laws. - The provisions of Batas Pambansa
Blg. 881 or the Omnibus Election Code; Republic Act No. 7166, entitled, “An
Act Providing for Synchronized National and Local Elections and for Electoral
Reforms, Authorizing Appropriations Therefor, and for Other Purposes”; and
other election laws not inconsistent herewith shall be applied to facilitate early
voting for qualified senior citizens and PWDs.
SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days from
its effectivity, the Commission shall promulgate the rules and regulations for
the implementation of this Act.
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