Manila, May 2 -- With preparations nearly complete for the May 12 National and Local Elections (NLE), the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is urging senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant women to take advantage of early voting hours on election day.

Comelec Acting Assistant Regional Director Wil Arceno, who also serves as Antique's Provincial Election Supervisor, said Friday that polling precincts will open as early as 5 a.m. on May 12.

Priority will be given to PWDs, senior citizens, and pregnant women during the early voting window.

"In case the PWDS, senior citizens, and pregnant women need assistance, they may request with the electoral board," he said.

He said that voters who had been registered as illi...