The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported more than 81 percent voter turnout in the national and local elections.

About 81.65 percent — or more than 55 million — of registered Filipino voters cast their ballots, marking the highest voter turnout in a midterm election in Philippine history.

“We’re happy because it registered a high voter turnout compared to previous midterm elections. Again, the highest in the history of the midterm elections,” Comelec chairperson George Garcia said during a media briefing Thursday.

Data from Comelec showed that 55,874,700 out of the 68,431,965 registered voters participated in the 12 May elections — higher than the 75.90 percent turnout in 2019.

However, Garcia noted that the figure is still subject to finalization, pending the completion of the canvassing of votes by all boards of canvassers.

According to Garcia, the record turnout may be attributed to the youth vote, as young Filipinos made up the majority of voters in this year’s midterm polls.

Garcia said the youth voted “just like in the 2022 polls,” driven by a belief that their “voices need to be heard” and that “their votes matter.”

“It may also be a good thing the Comelec became visible. From the time of registration, we went around. Perhaps because of our persistence, the youth were challenged to go out and vote,” he added.

“I honestly believe that as long as you provide the youth with the correct principles and issues, they will go to the polls.”

Comelec said there are 69,673,655 registered voters for the May 2025 elections, with 68,431,965 in the Philippines and 1,241,690 overseas.