As the May 2022 elections are forthcoming, many first-time voters have entered the scene. The election day is more than just determining who will earn the seat of power, but it can also make or break our calls for principled governance.

More than ever, it is crucial to remember what restrictions there would be, as the election is in the shadow of a health crisis. Shaping our country’s future, the 1987 Constitution even amended, “Voting isn’t just our right, it’s our power.” So when you finally get your forefinger inked, may it also etch in your mind that it is your right and privilege intertwined. But to ensure a smooth sailing election, here is your go-to guide on what to remember on the polling day. 

Gearing up before May 9

1. Research on the candidates 

The election is more than just the credibility of the candidates, but it should also look at the weight of their concrete plans. As a Filipino citizen, it is our duty to research their stance on political issues leading to a fruitful discussion. Also, practice netiquette and ensure that your resources are fact-checked,especially with spliced videos. Spliced videos are clips that are trimmed to produce content infused with black propaganda to taint a candidate’s reputation for their gain. While these are entertaining in the form of TikTok videos or even memes, we as voters must draw the line and determine the boundary between entertainment and a sensitive topic such as politics. 

2. Voting hours extended 

In a Rappler interview with Commissioner Marlon Casquejo, he reminded voters that the polling places will open their doors from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, different from the 6:00 PM limitation three years ago. Voters are also advised to expect a long queue brought by the amount of new voters for this year. The said decision was part of the planning Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in 2021. 

3. No need for a vaccination card and COVID-19 test

COMELEC did not mention any requirement upon entering the voting centers. This is in line with their previous interviews and statements from CNN Philippines last year. However, voters are encouraged to follow social distancing, bring face masks, and alcohol. Face shields are not required unless the voters are coming from areas under alert levels 1, 2, and 3. 

Voting Day Manual

1. COVID-19 protocols 

Barriers will be set to separate electoral workers and voters. Medical personnel and anti-COVID-19 marshals are assigned to polling centers for health and safety concerns.

Those voters whose temperatures would be 37.5 degrees Celsius and above can still cast their ballots at the isolation polling place (IPP). Emergency accessible polling places (EAPP) will also be made available for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and pregnant women.

2. Arriving at the Polling Center

Upon a voter’s arrival, he must fall in line in the holding area and present his name, a valid I.D., and precinct number to the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) when it is his turn in the Voters’ Assistance Desk (VAD).

Here, precinct and sequence numbers, as well as assigned rooms or clustered precincts, will be communicated. Voters shall free their time for this day and show up as early as they can to avoid delay and inconvenience to other voters.

3. Ballot Guidelines

Entering the voters’ assigned room, they must state their names and precincts and sequence numbers to the Electoral Board. Then, a clean ballot, ballot secrecy folder, and marker will be given to every voter. All voters must fully fill out the ballots and shade the ovals beside the name of the candidates they will vote for.

Only voting for no one or less than necessary, voting too much will make your vote void. Also, other unnecessary marks created might affect the complete acceptance of your ballot. Throughout the voter’s time in filling out the ballot, no other person shall look at it, even the poll watchers and BEIs. 

4. Vote Counting Machine Process

After accomplishing the ballot, voters shall feed their ballots into the Vote Counting Machine (VCM). A receipt will be printed and must be cut by precinct supervisors from the machine. It must be verified by the voters themselves before depositing it in the receptacle. All secrecy folders and markers shall be returned.

The indelible ink marks the end of one’s voting journey in this election. It shall be applied to all voters’ right forefinger nails. 

Leading the succeeding days

1. Continue the conversation

“The political process does not end on election day.” - Patrick Murphy 

This quote resonates with the situation the Philippines is in today with almost 17 days left before the event. The election is not the only avenue where we can practice our rights as Filipinos, but also being involved in the cycle. What we need is to demand for accountability and finally break the narratives of “Ang bata bata mo pa, puro ka pulitika.”  coming from our acquaintances and even close relatives just because of being outspoken of societal issues. Through our own ways, we can be involved by being an ally of educational discussions regarding civic processes. We must live by the fact that we are not fanatics of any candidates but we are here for accountability as pro-Filipinos. 

2. Consider Volunteering

Volunteerism comes in many ways. This micro action can be the ripple of change for a macro effect. This can start within the community by being “involved”. Volunteerism can be done in educating people about social issues in a house-to-house campaign setting using the language of the masses, it can also be done in supporting your Local Government Units (LGUs) programs or donation drives, join your school organization, or be the one who will start the cause for a domino effect. 

3. Every color, every hue 

Whoever may be elected in both local and national elections, we must still live by that they would represent the masses, thus, our support should be in full force. The election does not put an end to our responsibility as a citizen as we gear to provide them with constructive criticism, bearing in mind to give where the credit is due. Demanding accountability is not a form of resistance but a mirror of truth reflecting our plight, especially the proletariat who are away from privilege and pool of information from social media. As we embody one another, no matter what race, culture, and color. 

Given the history of elections and the ongoing pandemic in the Philippines, voters shall be more compliant and careful to maintain the certainty of results while being safe from COVID-19. There are a few days left before we get to decide for the future we want and deserve, to choose the leaders that will make it happen. Voting is our right, with our responsibility for our country and fellow countrymen. Vote wisely and vote the right way, Tamaraws!

- Kristine Anjela C. Pablo and Samantha Cheyenne Gail D. Pagunuran

REFERENCES

CNN Philippines Staff. (2021, September 11). Comelec: Vaccination card, negative COVID test not required for voting. https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/9/11/Comelec-2022-elections-vaccination-card-covid-test-not-required.html

De Leon, D. (2022, February 21). #PHVoteGuide: What to expect when you vote on election day in 2022. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/nation/elections/guides-things-to-expect-hours-protocols-voting-may-9-2022/

Do’s and Don’ts on Election Day. (2016, May 8). Sunstar. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/73033/dos-and-donts-on-election-day

Steps in Voting: 2022 National and Local Elections. (2022, February 1). COMELEC. https://comelec.gov.ph/index.html?r=2022NLE%2FVoterEducation%2FStepsinVoting

Ta, V. (2016). Five things you can do after the election. Society for Personality and Social Psychology. https://spsp.org/news-center/announcements/2016-five-things-to-do-after-election

Tan, L. (2016, May 8). Election dos and don'ts: How to vote on May 9. CNN. https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/05/03/How-to-vote-on-May-9-election-day-dos-and-donts.html