Search

Voting Essentials for First Time Voters

Otoha Ozawa
Nov 14, 2020
3 min read

WHAT TO KNOW?. In preparation for the voting and election of government officials in 2022, what do first-time Filipino voters need to know and take note of during this significant season? © Solis

Democracy: a governmental concept that allows for the people to choose their leaders; this type of government was introduced to the Philippines in June 12, 1898 when it was declared a sovereign state, and ever since, we the people have been exercising our suffrage.

As the youth and the future of this country, it is very important for us to utilize our rights to vote. We possess the power to dictate the leaders of our country and the future state of our nation, and so we must be involved in this process as this will directly affect us all.

With the future elections slowly nearing, the opportunity to vote must be seized and taken advantage of. First time? Well you’re in luck because here are 6 voting basics first time voters should know.

1. Be aware of the eligibility requirements.

First and foremost, in order to register to vote, you must meet a few requirements that would ensure your eligibility. These requirements would need you to be 18 years, a Filipino citizen, and a resident of the Philippines for 1 year and of the place you plan to vote in for 6 months, all on or before the election day of May 9, 2022.

2. Registering: How?

The registration to vote started last September 1, 2020, running from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 8 am til 3 pm, and will end on September 30, 2021. To register, you must set an appointment with your local COMELEC as only a limited number of transactions will be processed per day; this precaution is to ensure that the spread of COVID-19 is suppressed and monitored. When registering, do not forget to wear a mask and face shield.

3. Registering: What to prepare.

Before you register, make sure you have the following documents on hand. You will need your printed and filled out COMELEC forms (CEF-1, Coronavirus Self Declaration Forms, and Person With Disabilities and Indigenous Peoples data forms if necessary) but without your signature, your valid ID that features your picture and signature, a photocopy of your valid ID, your own ballpen with black ink, your mask, and your face shield. The registration process will take about a total of 2 hours to complete with the sanitation process, application reviews, and the likes.

4. Research beforehand on the candidates you will vote.

When voting, it is of utmost importance to vote wisely, and in voting wisely, you must choose your candidates sensibly and carefully. Before casting your vote on the day of the election, the best course of action to prepare for this is to research and review on all of the candidates of each position. In thoroughly researching the stands, plans, and potential projects of the candidates, you may be able to narrow down and fairly choose the people you will vote for. Reviewing the candidates prior will also help in preventing bandwagoning and baseless voting, thus ensuring that your vote goes to the candidates you personally believe in.

5. Locate your designated polling stations.

Before the election day, it is important and necessary to locate your designated polling precinct and prepare for the travel there. The polling precinct you are designated to is related to the place you have registered in, but to double check on this you may also consult official polling precinct finders to confirm your precinct. It is very important to verify this information as if you arrive at the wrong polling precinct and are not able to find your name on the voters’ list, you may just lose your chance to vote.

6. Know your rights as a voter.

As a voter, knowing your rights and distinguishing the do’s and don'ts of voting is very helpful. Identifying the things you are entitled to as a voter and the rights that would help cater to your needs (like absentee voting, persons with disabilities rights, and the likes) will go a long way in ensuring that your voting process goes smoothly. Identifying the things you should refrain from doing (such as campaigning in the polling precincts, or taking pictures of your ballots) is also very important in your voting process as knowing these would help you secure your vote and make sure that you don’t violate any rules.

With these in mind, it is very encouraged to exercise your right to vote. With the gift of democracy and the opportunity to vote for the leaders you see fit to guide our country, the future is in your hands. Take on this opportunity and remember to vote wisely.