Our COVID-19 Health Crisis has impacted the upcoming Synchronized National and Local Elections, resulting in some changes in the election-related policies and the step-by-step voting process. Compared to the previous elections, this 2022, COMELEC had to create a slightly different voting process and consider the health and safety of the voters, the Electoral Board, poll volunteers, and the people inside and near the vicinities of voting centers.

Empowering the voter is an essential element in our automated electoral process. Aside from the standard health and safety protocols are required (e.g., temperature checks, physical distancing, wearing of face masks at all times, and frequent disinfection of the hands as well as frequently touched surfaces), here are the steps in voting which we as voters must be aware of under our new normal on May 9, 2022 (6:00am to 7:00pm):

1. Have your temperature checked before entering the voting center.

2. Proceed to the Voters’ Assistance Desk (VAD) to secure your precinct and sequence numbers and assigned room or clustered precinct.

3. Approach the BEI member or the support staff in-charge of the precinct, give your sequence number in the PCVL, name and address, together with the other data concerning his person. Only the chairman shall issue the official ballot, not more than one ballot shall be issued to one time.

4. The BEI or support staff is satisfied with your identity; your name shall be distinctly announced in a tone loud enough to be heard throughout the polling place. Otherwise, you shall be directed to leave the polling place after informing you the reason thereof. If you are not challenged, or having been challenged, the question has been decided in your favor, you shall be directed to the chairman of the BEI.

5. BEI checks if your index finger is stained with indelible ink to make sure you have not yet voted.

6. The BEI authenticates the ballot by affixing his signature at the designated space at the front thereof. (note: The failure to authenticate the ballot shall not invalidate the ballot but shall constitute an election offense.)

7. The BEI instructs you on how to fill-up the ballot properly. The BEI likewise inserts the ballot in the secrecy folder in such a manner that its face is covered, except the portion where your signature in the ballot appears, and gives the ballot to you.

8. As voter, using a ballot secrecy folder and the marking pen provided by the COMELEC, fill the ballot by fully shading the oval beside the names of the candidates and political party participating in the party list system of representation of your choice. You should likewise not OVERVOTE. Vote only for the allowable number of candidates per position.

9. As voter then approach the PCOS, insert his ballot in the ballot entry slot and wait until the ballot is dropped into the ballot box. The BEI shall monitor the PCOS screen to make sure that the ballot was successfully accepted. Check the voter’s receipt and drop it in the receptacle. Thereafter, return the ballot secrecy folder and marking pen to the chairman.

Ballots may be rejected by the PCOS during the scanning. In the event of a rejected ballot, you will be allowed to re-insert the ballot. If the PCOS still rejects the ballot, return the ballot to the Chairman who shall: (a) Distinctly mark the back thereof ad “Rejected,” and (b) Require all members of the board to sign at the back thereof, and place inside the Envelope for Rejected ballot (note: No replacement ballot shall be issued to a voter whose ballot is rejected by the PCOS. Any party objecting to the rejection of the ballot shall reduce his objection in writing, which the board shall attach and note in the Minutes.)

10. As voter return to the BEI to affix your thumbmark on the corresponding space in the EDCVL before leaving the polling place. The chairman shall apply indelible ink at the base and extending to the cuticle of your right forefinger nail, or any other nail if there be no forefinger nail.

11. Leave the polling place. Loitering inside the precincts IS NOT ALLOWED.

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