THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is looking at gymnasiums, covered courts and other well-ventilated facilities as polling precincts during the May 2022 national and local elections to ensure physical distancing.

In a radio interview, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said they were looking to depart from the usual use of enclosed and cramped classrooms as polling precincts in the next elections.

“From cramped classrooms, we will opt for open spaces, like gyms, covered courts, etcetera,” said Jimenez.

“We will change the face of our elections,” he added.

The poll official said they were also looking to lower the number of voters per polling precinct to 600 from the current 1,000.

The number of people casting their votes at the same time, he added, will also be limited to five.

Comelec is also looking at expanding the voting hours on May 9, 2022, Election Day, to 12 hours, or from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lastly, Jimenez said they will be establishing several voters assistance desks to help voters easily find their designated polling precincts.

“These will be our considerations to reduce the hesitancy of the people on Election Day,” said Jimenez. (HDT / SunStar Philippines)