2022 Elections Playbook: Filipino voter’s guide in casting their ballot

by Sam Oliquino / May 6, 2022

The pressure is on for the upcoming May 9, 2022 PH Elections. With just three days before some 65.7 million Filipinos cast their votes, candidates are making the most out of the time remaining in campaigning to gain more support. 

Meanwhile, Filipinos are at the edge of their seats as election day draws near, looking towards the moment when there will be a new president who will lead the country. 

But before we get ahead of ourselves, here’s a guide on what to expect and how to cast your vote in the coming elections.

What to bring?

• Facemask
• Valid ID (It is not necessarily required, but best to have an ID ready in case a member of the electoral board needs to confirm your identity)
• List or guide of candidates you will vote for

Note: No need to bring your vaccination card or present a negative COVID-19 test result.

What to expect?

Since there is still an ongoing pandemic, the government continues to implement minimum health and safety protocols. Everyone is required to wear face masks, practice social distancing, and frequently disinfect.

Polling precincts will be open between 6 am to 7 pm. Bring patience and expect that lines may become longer than usual due to social distancing. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) said, if ever there are still voters lined up beyond 7 pm, voting may continue.  

Meanwhile, COMELEC is also reminding the public that they can wear clothes of any color so long as it does not bear a picture or name of any candidates. 

Step by step voting guidelines

Step 1: Temperature check

Upon arrival, your temperature will be checked. If you have a temperature of 37.4°C and below, you may proceed to the next step. However, if your temperature is at  37.5°C and up, you will be asked to step aside for a few minutes to be checked again. 

If you’re still too hot *wink*, you will be escorted to an isolated polling precinct to cast your vote and avoid exposing others. According to COMELEC, if a person is exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms they still have the right to vote. But if they are COVID-19 positive under monitoring by their local barangay and are prohibited to go out of their homes, they will not be able to vote. 

Step 2: Voter Assistance Desk

Once your temperature is cleared, you may go ahead to the Voters Assistance Desk. Here you will state your name and the election worker will inform you of your precinct number, sequence queue, and room assignment. 

Step 3: Proceed to the assigned room and get your ballot

After getting the details you need, proceed to your room assignment and look for an electoral board member to get your ballot. 

Remember to inspect your ballot before going anywhere and in the presence of an electoral board. Do not accept a ballot that has marks, folds and/or tears. 

Apart from your ballot that should have no blemish or any imperfections, you will also be provided with a secrecy folder and a marker. 

Step 4: Fill up your ballot

Next, proceed to the voting area, sit down and start shading. 

Other important reminders in filling up your ballot:

• FULLY SHADE the oval before the name of your desired candidate. Do not put a check (✓) or an ‘x’ mark. Shading it is the only accepted form of voting. Do anything else and your vote will be rejected. 
• Do not make any unnecessary marks on your ballot. No, it’s not a test paper where you should put your name, date, and score. Just fully shade the oval.
• DO NOT OVERVOTE. You can only vote for the number of candidates indicated beside each position. Overvoting will invalidate all your votes for that specific position. We don’t want to repeat the same mistake of a certain someone in 2016, right? So be cautious!
  • President – 1
  • Vice President – 1
  • Senators – 12
  • Member of the House of Representatives – 1
  • Provincial Governor – 1
  • Provincial Vice Governor – 1
  • Member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan – 3
  • Mayor – 1
  • Vice Mayor – 1
  • Member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod – 12
  • Party List – 1
• While you can’t overvote, it is okay to undervote.
• Do not take a picture of your ballot. Taking a picture of your ballot is an election offense.
• Cellphones are not prohibited, but COMELEC advises voters to list down their cheat sheets on a piece of paper instead of phones to avoid being accused of taking a picture of their ballot.
• Lastly, before shading your ballot, remember that your vote not only affects you but also the people around you. Make sure that the candidate you are voting for has a respectable track record, no hint of corruption, is capable of enabling inclusive progress and success, and clear plans for the country. 

Step 5: Submit your ballot

It’s time to cast your ballot! 

Keep your accomplished ballot in the secrecy folder and approach the area where the vote-counting machine (VCM) is. Insert your ballot into the machine and wait for it to process your vote. 

You will get a receipt for review; check if it reflects the candidates you voted for and then have your forefinger marked with an indelible ink by a poll clerk. You cannot take the receipt outside the polling place.

And you’re done! COMELEC does not recommend voters to stay in the polling precinct after casting their ballot to lessen possible exposure to COVID-19. Best to go home, try not to get anxious and hope that the right and deserving candidates for the Philippines will win. 

Read also

• Step-by-step guide to verify voter status, find voting precinct
• Is it possible for the Philippines to get out of its chronic poverty?
• What is Inclusive Leadership, and are we doing enough to make it happen?