Voting Guide for First Time Voters

Once again, we find ourselves in the midst of campaign season. At least one campaign ad may be found on every given social media platform or in the real world. Furthermore, the Philippine election campaign for 2022 is already underway-- actually, it's better to say that we are only less than two weeks left before the election day!

As a matter of fact, 67 million people, including the five (5) million newly registered voters, will choose the country's next president and other officials, who will be tasked with rescuing the Philippines from its current economic crisis and the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Therefore, it's not exaggerated to state that this year's elections will be the most significant in a long time. Anyone chosen as our next president and nation leaders will help usher in a new era of post-COVID-19 Philippines.

In light of the events of the last two years and beyond, the decision you make on May 9 will be critical. Since COVID-19 came into effect, most of the conversation has focused on candidates, their policies, and how campaigns would be affected. Change has also come to the way voters will vote in the 2022 elections itself.

For many first-time voters, the election season may be a confusing and daunting experience. If this is your first time voting, here are a few recommendations and tips to get you ready, particularly in light of this year's election's inclusion of pandemic safety precautions that must be followed in the polling places. This is where the roundup ahead kicks in.

How to Prepare for the Election Day

You can't simply vote for something because you like the idea of it. It's important to consider the impact on others. The sort of government that serves us in the next six years nationally and three years for local elections will be determined by the political choices and decisions that you will make this coming election day.

That is why it is crucial that you must be well-informed and level-headed before casting your vote and filling out the ballot paper. In order to be well-prepared on May 9th, keep in mind the following advice:

Make sure you've done some research about the candidates before the voting process.

Finding a suitable candidate is like searching for a spouse. The decision represents the voter's ideals, as well as their hopes and necessities. Learn about the candidates before the upcoming election. To make an informed choice on election day, be careful to research each candidate's positions and track records. This can assist you to get a sense of what they think about the problems that our country and Filipinos worry about.

In doing this, you might want to consider a candidate that has a clear and achievable vision for the nation in order to understand where the Philippines may be headed under their guidance. You can also consider candidates that have innovative visions for the country and for the people to achieve a progressive development as well as knowledge or expertise about foreign policy or international relations as this is a vital global issue nowadays.

Watch comprehensive discussions and interviews.

Tuning in to debates and interviews is one of the best ways to learn more about the candidates you'll be voting for. You may get a glimpse of the candidates under pressure and hear their views on urgent relevant problems through these programs.

Make sure you know when and where to cast your ballots.

The voting period will run from 6 AM to 7 PM on May 9, 2022. All registered voters are assigned to a particular precinct. As one of the first time voters, make sure that you know your precinct number for the voting day in order to avoid the hassle of looking for your precinct for the upcoming election.

Also, the Precinct Finder tool can be accessed online. This is an online tool that you can use to see whether you've been assigned to a precinct. Alternatively, you may use the local precinct lists to look up your name and find your precinct number. This will also be accessible before the actual election day.

Prepare all the things that you need during the voting process.

Making a list of your candidates before the election day is the best way to prepare. You should have already decided who you're going to vote for the day and prepare a copy of their names and numbers before you voted for them this election season. Bring your new normal basics, such as a face mask, alcohol or sanitizer, and your vaccination card.

National and Local Election Day Voting Process

Preparation is key if you're a first-time voter and want to avoid any snags when it comes to the voting procedure itself. So here is a step by step process on voting day:

1. Check your temperature. An official will take your temperature and look for any signs of COVID-19 symptoms before you enter the polling room.
2. You should now go to the Voter's Assistance Desk (VAD) to check your precinct, queue, and room number.
3. Go to your assigned voting room, proceed to the designated Electoral Board, and state your name, precinct number, and sequence number.

1. Take your ballot along with a vote secrecy folder and a marking pen that will be provided to you by an official.
2. Fill out the ballot. You need to fully shade the circles so that the machine can process your vote. Do not overvote.
3. Put your ballot in the Vote Counting Machine (VCM). Wait patiently for the voting machine to process your ballot and cast it. Don't leave until this is finished.
4. Review your voter's receipt if all your votes are processed correctly. If this is the case, place the receipt in the container provided. You may file a complaint with the board of elections inspectors if you see any discrepancy with your vote.
5. Provide your forefinger nail for staining. To mark that you've already cast your ballot, the poll clerk put paint some indelible ink on the tip of your fingernail.

Congratulations on casting your first vote!

Meanwhile, as first time voters, make sure to also observe some of these reminders during the election day:

• Arrive in your precinct as early as possible and expect a huge number of voters in all voting areas. It's a good idea to cast your ballot in the early hours in order to avoid huge lines at the polling place.
• Don't take a picture of your completed ballot or the receipt of your vote. As thrilling as it is in voting for the first time, snapping a picture of your completed ballot and receipt is not permitted. It's the same as producing a carbon duplicate and it is strictly prohibited.
• You should leave the polling place as soon as you have completed your vote. Remember to give way and let those who haven't voted yet have their votes before getting excited in taking a photo with your freshly inked finger.

As a first time voter, we know how thrilled and excited you are to exercise your rights and cast your first votes this election day. But please don't let your excitement makes you overlook the health and safety sign and forget to always sanitize your hands (don't forget to bring your alcohol!) after voting and disinfect when you get home from the polling station.

Lumina Homes, aside from being one of the most credible and trusted house and lot providers in the Philippines, is also promoting a safe and healthy community as well as lifestyle among its homeowners. If you need to get some advice on how to disinfect, you can read this article.