Everyone is anticipating as election day draws near this May 9, 2022. Social media sites are now flooded with posts from netizens who are supporting their chosen candidates, while some remind their followers to vote wisely in this upcoming election as this determines the country’s future for the next few years.
Being a first-time voter can be confusing especially now that we are still in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic wherein this year's voting procedure includes pandemic safety precautions that must be followed at the precincts. Here’s a guide on everything you need to know as a first-time voter this upcoming election:
Things to do before May 9:
Know your polling precinct: Voting period is from 6:00AM to 7:00PM on May 9, 2022. Check and familiarize yourself with your polling precinct, or the location where you will vote. Commission on Elections (COMELEC) provided an online precinct finder where you can locate your polling precinct: https://voterverifier.comelec.gov.ph/voter_precinct
Prepare the things you need for the day: To avoid putting accidental markings on ballots that may be read by vote-counting devices, make a list of who you will vote for.
Bring new normal essentials:
Alcohol
Face mask
Face shield (if voting in an area under Alert Level 4)
According to COMELEC's latest update on their Facebook page, voters are not required to wear a face shield, or present a vaccination card or negative COVID-19 test result.
During the Election day:
To guarantee that health regulations are followed by voters, polling sites will have a single access point. COMELEC also provided steps in voting for May 9:
Step 1. Have your temperature checked. Before entering the voting room, staff will take temperature.
Step 2. Proceed to the Voter’s Assistance Desk (VAD). They will provide your precinct, queue and room number.
Step 3. Go to your assigned room. Introduce yourself to the Electoral Board in your designated voting room by stating your name, precinct number and sequence number.
Step 4. Take a ballot. They will also provide a ballot secrecy folder and a marking pen.
Step 5. Fill in the ballot. Fully shade the oval appearing before the name of the candidate so that the machine can read your vote. Do not over-vote.
Step 6. Feed your ballot in the Vote Counting Machine (VCM). Patiently wait for the machine to process your vote.
Step 7. Check your voter’s receipt. Drop the receipt in the provided receptacle once it is processed.
Step 8. Have your right forefinger nail stained with indelible ink. It is done as a sign that you have already and officially voted.
A few reminders:
-Do not take pictures of your ballot as it is considered as an election offense and is strictly prohibited.
-Check your voting receipt if the machine correctly printed the candidates you have voted for, if not, register your complaint to the board of election inspectors.
-You can bring your own list of your preferred candidates but you cannot bring campaign materials.
As a first-time voter, election day is something you look forward to. You have the power to make a difference along with other 67.5 million Filipinos. Vote safely and wisely in this upcoming election. Make it count!
