The 2022 Election Blueprint

by Webmaster · March 14, 2022

Graphics by Laya S.

Election day is one of the most important days to look forward to. Generally, the election is essential for shaping a democratic country’s future. On the 9th of May 2022, Filipinos will cast their votes and determine the next leaders from across the nation. With over 67 million registered voters, including first-time voters, elections this year will be pretty different, especially when we have to strictly comply with COVID-19 safety measures. As we draw near the election season, it’s best to prepare for what’s to come. Here’s what to expect on election day, we’ve also included a walkthrough of the voting process.

Step 1: Go through a health screening process
As early as six in the morning, expect a long line to welcome you once you arrive at your local voting site. Although polls are open for at least twelve hours, more than half of Filipino registered voters prefer to cast their ballots in the morning to avoid waiting longer in the later hours. Now that COVID-19 rules and regulations have been implemented, the initial undertaking will take longer than usual. Before proceeding to the Voter’s Assistant Desk (VAD), you must first undergo a health screening process to check your temperature. The health screening process also requires you to present your vaccination card or, if none, your recent negative RT-PCR result to enter. Your contact information may be required for contact tracing purposes. Remember to wear your face masks (and face shields): no face mask, no entry.
Step 2: Proceed to the Voter’s Assistant Desk
Proceed to the VAD to look for your name on the voters’ list. Once you have confirmed you’re a registered voter in your local area, secure your precinct, sequence numbers, and assigned room for voting. In some areas, Comelec will use the new voter registration verification machine and have the voters scan their fingerprints to confirm their identity.
Step 3: Proceed to your assigned room and secure your voting materials
Once you’re in your assigned room, secure your ballot, ballot secrecy folder, and marking pen from the Board of Elections Inspectors (BEI) by stating your name, precinct, and sequence numbers. If you did live fingerprinting via VRVM, present the verification receipt the VRVM issued you for the BEI to provide you with the voting materials.
Step 4: Fill out your ballot
It’s time to vote. Shade the circle using the marking pen before the name of your chosen candidates. Take note that there is a maximum number of candidates for each position. Do not overvote. You only get one ballot; therefore, you only have one chance to vote for your candidates. It’s best to know who you’re voting for before election day to prevent any accidental markings on the ballot.
Step 5: Cast your ballot
Once you’re done filling out your ballot, secure it inside the ballot secrecy folder and insert this into the Vote Counting Machine (VCM).
Step 6: Wait for your voter’s receipt
Receive your voter’s receipt as processed by the VCM. Double-check if the receipt reflects who you voted for; otherwise, inform the BEI regarding this matter. If there are no issues, drop the receipt in the receipt box.
Step 7: Have your right forefinger nail marked
Your right forefinger nail will be marked with indelible ink by a poll clerk once you’re done voting in order to prevent any cases of fraud.

And you’ve officially voted! Although the actual voting process lasts at least five minutes, the entire process from the moment you enter the voting site to the moment you have your nail stained is much longer. That being said, it’s best to have everything prepared beforehand to avoid procrastination. Remember to wear your face masks and observe social distancing. You may bring a water bottle to beat the heat, especially when lines get long. Happy safe voting, everyone!

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