Days before the upcoming 2022 Philippine national elections, voters, especially first-time voters, may be asking how the elections will be conducted during the pandemic. Lucky for you, we have a voter’s guide to prepare you come election day.
With 7 million new voters among 67 million who will elect the Philippines’ new leaders, these elections may be very different from the 2019 elections. Not just because of the youth vote, but the fact that we’re still in the middle of a pandemic! So these leaders, like the ones before them, have the tall task of lifting the country from a crisis. But this one’s worse, with the health side of things currently abated, but threatening to rear its ugly head again. And the economic side, still on life support. That is why we need leaders that are really capable of stepping up, not just through flowery words, but through concrete actions.
But back to you, new voter! Let’s proceed on your how-to guide for E-Day:
Step-by-step guide to voting
1. Do not bring any campaign materials or wear any candidate-related clothing. Wear a face mask.
2. Bring a pen to sign the computerized voter’s list.
3. Have your temperature checked before entering the voting center. An official will check you for any COVID-19 symptoms.
4. Go to your assigned room and introduce yourself to the Electoral Board by stating your name, precinct, and sequence numbers.
5. Get your ballot, ballot secrecy folder, and marking pen. Fill out the ballot at the voting area.
6. Accomplish the ballot by fully shading the oval appearing before the name of the candidate you wish to vote for. DO NOT overvote.
7. Feed the ballot into the Vote Counting Machine (VCM). Stand by and wait for the machine to process your vote.
8. Check your voter’s receipt to see if your votes were processed correctly. Then deposit it in the provided receptacle.
9. Have your right forefinger nail stained with indelible ink.
10. You’re done! You do not have to tell anyone who you voted for.
What to look for in a worthy candidate
Looking for a notable candidate is like looking for the right partner. Your choice reflects your values as well as your aspirations and needs. When you are done reading this voter’s guide, you’ll be more than ready.
Part of the decision-making process is knowing what you value the most: Do you want a servant-leader? Dictator-like? To be an effective voter in the Election PH 2022, you should check your candidates on three things:
- Character and Expertise
A candidate with good character should definitely be on the top of your list. An individual that can be a role model and someone who can be looked up to, specially by younger Filipinos. For starters, it should be a candidate who is corruption-free, and abides by the law without question.
Of course, your candidate should also be well-educated with the right composure and knowledge for the position he/she is running for. Another important quality your candidate must have is the expertise. The expertise on the problems and the current situation of the country and how he/ she will deal with it once elected will be a good indicator of selecting that particular candidate.
- Action
Words are meaningless if they are never put into action. Your chosen candidate must not only be a good speaker but also a constant doer! It’s good to listen to candidates for their vision of the future, but it should also be noted that their actions in the present and their past actions weigh heavy in the equation.
- Vision
This one is a no-brainer. Why choose a candidate without a proper vision for the country? Select the one who has a clear, inspiring, and doable vision for the country. You need to be able to visualize where the Philippines could go under their leadership.
Other things to note during the Election Day
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Voting starts from 6 am to 7 pm. Expect that there will be hundreds or thousands of voters in your precinct so it’s best to come early to avoid long queues.
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Photos of your filled-out ballot and/or voter’s receipt are not allowed and may cost you your chance to vote.
- Check if you are in the right precinct, or if you’re an active voter.
4. Exit the polling center as soon as you are done voting. If you are to take pictures with your inked finger, you can do so outside to give way to other voters.
Your Vote Matters
Apart from the basics of this voter’s guide, we’d simply like to remind you that voting is a civic duty. It is your right to do it, and you should exercise that right.
If you think one vote such as yours can or cannot be a game-changer in a national election, think again. So many like you are thinking the exact same thing. Those ripples can turn into waves quick!
According to a study, the odds that your vote will flip a national election often fall between 1 in 1 million and 1 in 10 million. That’s a very small probability, but it’s bigger compared to your chances of winning the lottery! Ha!
Now if you look at the numbers, it may seem unimportant. But collectively, when many vote for a candidate, it makes all the difference! Never underestimate the power of your vote.
When you vote, think of how it will affect other people as well. We should adopt this kind of thinking in the upcoming elections if we want to have a #BetterPhilippines. Hopefully, this voter’s guide can help you choose your candidates wisely. At the end of the day, this is our home. We’re all in the same boat!
