Election day is nearing. Figuratively, the judgment day, if we may add. Have you pondered about who really deserve your votes? Know that the future of your beloved country in the following six years lies within your hands on May 9, 2022. Unless, an anomaly happens, you are held responsible and accountable for the results of the upcoming elections.
But of course we are not here for a lecture, we are here to simply give you some reminders on what you should prepare and bring prior and during the election day. Below are the guidelines issued by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) which you may probably need to know above anything else.
Read: How to Know Your Voter Precinct Online Using COMELEC’s Precinct Finder
VOTING RULES/GUIDELINES:
All voter precincts will open at 6am and voters may cast their votes until 7pm whom will be accommodated by election workers.
Beforehand, you may should check your polling center or precinct and if your status is still active at How to Know Your Voter Precinct Online Using COMELEC’s Precinct Finder (announcement.ph).
It also recommendable to create a lists of your chosen candidates. Expect long queues outside polling places. In which, according to COMELEC, would allow polling places to extend time if there are still voters outside.
Note that you can keep with you a lists of your candidates but you should not bring any campaign materials.
Also, you must observe minimum health protocols such as social distancing.
Read: Voter Registration Requirements – COMELEC
Here are the items you need to bring with you during election day:
- Pen (to sign the election day computerized election list (EDCVL)
- Face mask
- Face shield (for areas under Alert Level 4)
During election day (at the polling place)
Every voters will enter a single and the same entry point to make sure the minimum health protocols are being followed by all the voters. You may refer to the steps indicated below.
Read: Voter’s Registration Guidelines released by COMELEC
Step 1: Temperature check.
37.4°C and below: Voter can go ahead and vote.
37.5°C and up: Voter must rest for a few minutes before checking again.
- 37.4°C: May go ahead and vote.
- Still 37.5°C and up: May vote in an isolated polling place. Assuming the voter has a COVID-19, he will be separated and assisted by election workers donning the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
Despite the voter being suspected of COVID-19, he still has the right to vote because it conforms the Constitution.
Read: Voter Registration is Suspended Until June 30, COMELEC
Step 2: Identification.
Head to the voter's assistance desk and give your name. They will then provide your exact room you'll be voting in.
Step 3: Get your ballot.
Check your name outside your assigned precinct in the computerized voters list. Ask assistance from any member of the electoral board or support staff. Say your name, precinct number and other relevant details asked. In case your identity is challenged, it is advisable to bring with you at least one valid ID.
Afterward, the election board will speak out your name to test if poll watchers would veto your voting. By then, you will sign the EDVL and get your ballot. You should not accept ballot with tears, marks, or shades because any marks found on it will be presumed to be yours.
Feasibly, according to COMELEC, there should be no cap. However, if the voters number exceeds 50% of the polling place's capacity at a specific time, electoral boards are authorized to put them in a holding area to wait their turn to vote.
Read: No Appearance in Voter Registration For Passport Holders, Sought
Step 4: Fill up your ballot.
You can undervote, but you are strictly prohibited to exceed your required number of candidates or else your votes will be invalidated. Below are the necessary number of votes per position:
- President: 1 candidate
- V-President: 1 candidate
- Senator: 12 candidates
- House of Representatives: I candidate
- Governor: 1 candidate
- V-Governor: 1 candidate
- Board-Member: Number of seats vary from every district
- Mayor: 1 candidate
- V-Mayor: 1 candidate
- Councilor: Number of seats vary form every municipality or district
- Party-List: 1 group
Note: The COMELEC will provide marking pens to shade your ballots. No extra markings such as x-mark, check, or half-shade. You should fully shade the entire oval beside the candidate's name. Taking pictures of your ballots are also not allowed for this is an election offense.
Read: Voter Registration is Suspended Until June 30, COMELEC
Step 5: Cast your ballot.
Almost done. Stash your ballot inside the ballot secrecy folder and insert it to the Vote Counting Machine (VCM). Wait for the machine to process your ballot and when you're done, a poll clerk will put a mark on your finger using indelible ink and will let you read over your voting receipt, you may then put it in the designated box. If there are mistakes in your voting receipt, you may head to the board election inspectors so they will be put on a record.
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