A SPECIAL arrangement welcomed disabled, elders and expectant mothers who trooped to the polling centers in Dagupan City. An Express Lane, like those that one finds in supermarkets, was provided by the Commission on Election office in the city. One of those who availed of the special lane is Rafael Tandoc Sr., 70, a senior citizen and orthopedically disabled resident of Barangay Malued here. “This privilege made the voting experience convenient and hassle-free for us who have special needs,” he told the Philippine Information Agency. Tandoc was only one of those who continued to exercise their right to political participation despite old age and physical disability. He trooped to his polling precinct at East Central Integrated School on Monday with a desire to take part in the elections without discrimination or restriction. He said that he prepared a “codigo” to help him quickly shade the names of the candidates in his ballot, adding that he picked his candidates based on their platforms that could benefit the people. Meanwhile, Sheila Benitez said casting her vote went smooth and easy in her precinct because of the priority lane given to pregnant women like her at the West Central Elementary School. She said she managed to vote within five minutes upon her arrival and didn’t have to endure the long queue of voters. The inmates were also allowed priority access to the polling centers. (AMM_PIA Pangasinan)