Election Reminders for Voters
Outside of representing the Philippines in the international stage, voting may be one of the few things we can do to help our country. With the polls just 3 days away, here are a few things to keep in mind on May 9:
DO’S AND DON’T’S. Making your vote count involves more than just voting. Photo courtesy of E-lected.
Before May 9
• Familiarize yourself with the voting process. Videos about the election process are literally everywhere: TV, radio, print, and social media. There is absolutely no excuse to not be familiar with the process.
• Have your list of candidates ready. To speed up the voting process, it’s best to have a list of who you are voting for in hand. It saves time both for you and the person next in line at your precinct. Speaking of which,
• Know where your precinct is ahead of time. Apart from the actual marking of the ballot and lining up, having to look for your precinct is where people waste most of their time. Clueless about your precinct? Visit Comelec’s Precinct Finder site to know where you should be lining up on May 9. You can also call their voter care center at 02-525-9296.
On May 9: Before you vote
• Come early. Voting starts at 6 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. That’s 11 hours to vote.
• Make sure you’re in the right place. A list of voters will be posted outside the polling precinct (i.e. the classroom you’ll be voting in). Check if your name is there. If it’s not, go to the assistance desk and ask them where you should be voting.
• Make sure your ballot is new and unmarked. Tampered ballots cannot be used to vote.
• No need for a marker. Comelec will provide the marker and the folder for you to use.
Actual voting
• No one may see your ballot. You’re not taking an exam that you need to pass, so a peak at your seatmate’s ballot is not necessary, even if he or she is your close friend. That’s where the Ballot Secrecy Folder comes in.
• Shade properly. Ideally, you’d like to stay within the oval next to your chosen candidate. It’s fine if you go a little bit beyond the oval; just make sure it stays within that candidate’s box.
• Keep your ballot pristine. This means no smudges or tears on your ballot. Don’t crumple it, unless you want to waste your vote.
• Approach the VCM once you’ve filled up your ballot.
• Insert your ballot in the VCM entry slot. Wait for the machine to flash the names of your candidates.
• While waiting, you can return the folder and the pen to the poll clerk.
• The VCM will flash the names of who you voted for. Your voter’s receipt will also be printed. Wait for the poll clerk to cut it for you.
• Have your forefinger nail marked with indelible ink. The poll clerk will hand you the voter’s receipt after.
• Proceed to the Voter’s Receipt Receptacle located beside the VCM. Check your receipt before putting it in: it has to match your ballot.
• If you have any objections, inform the poll clerk immediately. Have it noted in the minutes.
• Once you’re done voting, leave the precinct. It’s not a mall for you to hang out in.
For PWDs and illiterate voters
• Persons with disabilities (PWDs) and illiterate voters may only vote if it is shown on the Election Day Computerized Voter’s List.
• They may only be assisted by the following:
› A relative within the 4th civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.
› A trusted person who belongs to the same household.
› Any member of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI).
› The poll clerk should verify if the person assisting the PWD or illiterate voter is authorized by the voters themselves.
› The person voting for the PWD or illiterate voter should use the ballot secrecy voter or voting booth.
› Under oath, the person assisting must promise that he or she will strictly follow the instructions of the voter. He or she will be asked to sign a document.
› For PWDs, illiterate voters, and senior citizens, headphones will be provided so they can follow instructions when inserting their ballot.
PWD-friendly precincts
• All precincts for PWDs and seniors should be located on the ground floor and near the entrance of the building. It should also be free of physical barriers.
• All necessary services for PWDs and senior citizens should be provided in the precinct.
• BEIs should have a separate area in the precinct specifically for PWDs and senior citizens, including an express lane. Heavily pregnant women and detainees should also be allowed to use this lane.
• Indigenous peoples from remote locations are also allowed to use the express lane, but may choose not to.
Things you should NOT do
• Do not use your mobile phone while inside the precinct. This is to prevent vote-buying and vote-selling. That means no selfies with your ballot.
• Leave your voter’s receipt in the receptacle, unless you want to go to jail.
• No souvenirs. The ballot secrecy folder and marking pen are Comelec property.
• Do not delay the voting process. It causes headaches for everyone else, so just don’t.
Source: Rappler, Philstar.com
