A step-by-step guide to casting your vote on May 9 • PhilSTAR Life

Here are some last-minute reminders before you head to the polling precinct on May 9 to vote for our country’s future.

After three months of nonstop campaigning, the 2022 national elections is set to culminate on May 9 with over 65 million Filipinos in 106,174 clustered precincts in 81 provinces over the country.

Whether or not you're a first-time voter, this year’s elections will have a few changes in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. After reading the do's and don'ts, here’s a simplified guide on what to remember this May 9.

Before voting

1. Check your voter status and precinct area at the Comelec precinct finder here.

2. Polls will be open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM all over the country on Monday. It’s best to check your and plan your schedule beforehand.

3. Prepare a hand-written kodigo with your chosen candidates. Fill in this list:

President (1)
Vice President (1)
Senators (max 12)
House of Representatives (1)
Mayor (1)
Vice mayor (1)
Governor (1)
Vice governor (1)
Councilor (varies per municipality
Party-list (1)

A preview of what the May 9 ballots will look like.

4. Wear comfortable clothes that are simple/neutral to the ballots. Do not wear accessories or any other articles that may be associated with a certain candidate or political party.

5. Bring the following:

Pen (only to sign the voters' list, not your ballot)
Extra face mask
alcohol
valid ID (not required but suggested)
voting kodigo
face shield (for areas under Alert Level 4)

While in the polls

1. Wear a face mask and practice physical distancing while in line.

2. Voters will be temperature checked before entering the Comelec facilities. Those with a high temperature will be moved to an isolated facility but will still be eligible to vote.

3. After the temperature check, a Comelec worker will assist you and direct you to the designated precinct you will vote in.

4. Once you get there, look for your name and sign in the voters' list. Once confirmed, another worker will call out your name to inform the poll watcher inside the room that you are set to enter. Your ballot will be given here.

Note: Do not accept any ballot that has been previously marked or tampered with. Inform your poll watcher immediately if this happens.

A preview of what the voter list will look like in the precinct.

5. Comelec will also provide marking pens for shading. Do not use your own pen.

6. You may undervote or abstain, but overvoting will invalidate your ballot

7. Double check your finished ballot and make sure that you completely fill in provided circles.

After voting

1. Place your ballot in the ballot secrecy folder

2. Insert the folder into the Vote Counting Machine

3. A Comelec worker will mark your finger with an indelible link

4. You will receive your voter receipt. If there are discrepancies with your reflected candidates, report them to the Board of Elections inspectors.

A preview of what lining up for the VCM will look like.

Once everything is confirmed, congratulations! You have officially exercised your right to vote! Per Comelec Commissioner George Garcia, the partial and unofficial count for president and vice president will be known "by the seventh day" after polls close on May 9.