DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte, May 9 (PIA) - As early as 5:00 o'clock in the morning, voters from the different barangays here started to flock the designated polling centers awaiting the start of National and Local Elections.
 
Despite the inclement weather condition, with some areas experiencing heavy downpour while others are humid and cloudy, throngs of voters lined-up early in voting precincts.
 
Health personnel are on standby to cater to voters’ medical emergencies. Handwashing areas are also in place aside from regular temperature check and alcohol sanitation at the entrance of the polling centers.
 
Although, COMELEC follows the first come, first serve basis, priority lanes were implemented for differently-abled persons, senior citizens and pregnant women.
 
Some issues encountered in polling centers include paper jamming of ballots in the vote counting machines and other glitches which were easily resolved by the attending Electoral Board.
 
As of this writing, elections in the different parts of Zamboanga del Norte province are generally peaceful and smooth as per report from the police and army. (RVC/EDT/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)