Here is a quick guide on what to expect and how to vote on May 9, based on the Commission on Elections guidelines (Comelec) for pandemic voting. 

Filipinos will choose a new set of national and local officials, including the country’s 17th president. Despite the threat of COVID-19, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) tallied around 67.5 million registered voters this year.

Before traveling to your voting precinct, please remember to bring the following items:

• Pen (to sign the election day computerized voters list)
• Face mask 
• Face shield (if voting in an area under Alert Level  4)

Below are the steps for pandemic voting in 2022.

Step 1: Get your temperature checked at the voting center.

For those who have COVID-19 symptoms, proceed to the designated isolation polling place in your locality.

Step 2: Go to the Voter’s Assistance Desk and they will provide you with your precinct, sequence numbers, and designated room or clustered precinct.

You may also visit the Voting Precinct Finder to check your precinct number online.

Step 3: Go to the designated room and give to the Electoral Board your name, precinct, and sequence numbers.

Step 4: A ballot, a ballot secrecy folder, and a marking pen will be provided to you.

NOTE: Before filling out your ballot at the voting station, inspect it for any tears or markings.

Step 5: Before the name of the candidate you wish to vote for, completely shade the oval.

Vote the maximum number of times each position permitted.

Step 6: Put the ballot in the Vote Counting Machine.

NOTE: Don’t take a photograph of your ballot. Do not remove it from the confines of the precinct. 

Step 7: Check your voter’s receipt to see if the candidates you voted for are correct, then place it in the appropriate receptacle.

Notify the Chairman of the Electoral Board for incorrect issues as documentation for future protest.

NOTE: Don’t take a photograph of your receipt.

Some voting procedures have changed in 2022 as a result of the pandemic, making this election unlike any other. Even so, adopting basic health precautions and planning for election day can help ensure that your vote is counted.

The voting period begins at 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. Expect large lines, so plan ahead and arrive early. – WhatALife!

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Also read: How To Find Your Voting Precinct: COMELEC Voting Precinct Finder 2022