By Anna Valmero
MANILA CITY, METRO MANILA— Persons with disabilities (PWDs) who wish to vote in the 2013 elections can register from July 18 to 23, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
“In observance of the PWD month this June, we are making it easier and more accessible for PWDs to register for the 2013 midterm elections by giving them priority lanes in satellite registration sites such as malls in key cities nationwide,” said Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento.
Sarmiento handles the poll body's ad hoc committee for PWD registration as well as the special committee on detainee registration.
All election officers have been notified to prioritize the registration of PWDs and to hold satellite registration in accesible areas such as malls and in barangays with high number of PWDs.
PWDs can only register in malls located in the municipality where he or she resides per registration rules.
Sarmiento urges families of PWDs or barangay officials to help them register early to avoid long queues. Comelec will use the PWDs registration record to map out precincts that will have express lanes for PWDs during elections.
PWD registration also coincides with the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week.
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