Former Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chair Karlo Nograles has called on the residents of Davao City to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming local elections. Nograles, who recently filed his candidacy for mayor, expressed optimism that his entry into the mayoralty race would motivate more voters to participate, particularly after a significant portion of the electorate stayed home in the 2022 elections.
Speaking a week after his candidacy filing, Nograles emphasized the importance of civic participation, urging Davaoeños to make their voices heard by casting their ballots. “Please exercise your right to vote; please exercise your right to choose your leaders,” he stated.
Nograles highlighted that in the 2022 national and local elections, voter turnout in Davao City was just 74%, with 26% of registered voters opting not to participate. This was lower than the national voter turnout, which stood at 82.6%.
“In 2022, one in four Davao City voters did not cast their vote. This is significantly lower than the national average,” Nograles pointed out. “It’s concerning, especially in a presidential election, when more people usually vote. Yet in Davao City, many were not motivated to go to the polls.” He added that voter turnout in the city was even worse in the 2019 midterm elections, where only 65% of voters participated—well below the national average of 73%.
Nograles suggested that voter apathy could stem from a lack of compelling choices. “Maybe people felt there was nothing new, no real choice. Same names, same faces. I know there are many who quietly want to vote, want to speak up, and want to be involved in change. But perhaps they thought, ‘Is it worth the effort if it’s always the same names on the ballot?’”
The former congressman and seasoned public servant expressed hope that his candidacy would inspire more Davao City residents to engage in the electoral process. “This time, they have a choice, a chance to vote for someone other than the usual names they’ve been seeing for years,” he said.
Nograles shared that he senses growing excitement among the people he has spoken to in Davao, many of whom are eager for change. “I’ve never been more engaged and eager to share my vision for the city because I truly believe that the people of Davao City are open to the idea of change for the better,” he concluded.
The 2025 local elections are expected to be a highly anticipated event, with voter participation possibly shaping the future direction of Davao City under new leadership.
