Are you a first time voter or just in need of a refresher?
On Monday, May 12, more than 68 million voters nationwide will flock to polling precincts scattered all over the Philippines.
The process is largely straightforward, barring any hiccups or usual technical issues that might arise during the 12-hour voting period set.
Here are the steps that would be of help for those who will be casting their ballots for the first time or even those that might have forgotten the process.
STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE
Step 1: Prepare your list
Before heading out, at home, you can create your own list of candidates that you want to vote for. While this is not required, it is beneficial for you to do so, as this will make your voting a seamless experience.
Step 2: Head to your designated polling center
Now that you are all set, you can go to your designated polling center, which is primarily a school within your locality.
Step 3: Look for your assigned precinct
Inside the, look for the assigned room for your polling precinct number, which was issued to you by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and can be easily found through the sample ballot distributed by the poll body.
Should you not be able to find the spot, please refer to assistance desks that have been set up.
Step 4: Approach the board
After that, you will have to introduce yourself to the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI), who will ask for your name, precinct, and sequence number.
After verification, including checks if you already have indelible ink, you will be signing the Electoral Day Computerized Votes List (EDCVL).
Soon, you shall receive your ballot, secrecy folder, and marker. Note that it is a strictly 1:1 policy, so check your ballot for any issue before proceeding to vote.
Step 5: Mark your ballot
The much-awaited part of the process is when you finally cast your vote by shading the oblong beside the candidates that you will vote for.
You are also required to follow the number of maximum candidates allowed in each section. If you have less than the amount that has been set, don’t worry, the machine will still be able to read your ballot.
- 12 Senators
- 1 Representative / Congressman
- 1 Mayor
- 1 Vice Mayor
- 1 Partylist
- The number of councilors depend on the assigned number of seats in your town.
- If you are from the province, you are also asked to vote for Governor, Vice Governor, and Provincial Board members (bokal).
Make sure to fully shade the designated oblong to ensure that the machine will be able to properly count it as a vote.
Do not put marker stains or any unwanted markings, nor make scratches or any other symbols on your ballot.
Step 6: Feed your ballot
Once you are through with shading your ballot, head to the Automatic Counting Machine (ACM) to feed your ballot.
Wait for the receipt to be printed and read it to check for the candidates that you have voted. But don’t keep the receipt, and make sure to drop it to the assigned receptacle before leaving the voting area.
Taking photos of the receipt is strictly prohibited.
Step 7: Before you leave
Surrender your ballot secrecy folder and marker, and be sure to have the indelible ink applied to your right point finger.
Once done with all of that, you must leave the center immediately, as it is prohibited to stay inside after you are done voting.
WHAT TO BRING AND OTHER REMINDERS
Be sure to have prepared the following items before going to the polling center.
- Ballpen and your list of candidates
- Water to keep yourself hydrated
- Fan (rechargeable or not) to keep yourself cool
- Umbrella for additional protection from the sun
- Identification card(s)
Shirts of any color are allowed to be worn on election day, but make sure that it does not bear the name of any candidate.
Voting centers are open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, while Senior Citizens, Persons with Disability (PWDs), and pregnant women can go in early and cast their votes from 5:00 am to 7:00 am.
Just like that, you are taking part in the democratic process of choosing the next leaders that will steer our country.