As the country gears up for the much-anticipated 2025 National and Local Elections, millions of Filipinos are set to cast their votes at polling precincts nationwide on Monday, May 12.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) earlier reported that around 68 million registered Filipinos are expected to vote in over 438,000 precincts located within 37,528 voting centers nationwide.
In the national elections, voters must choose no more than 12 senators and only one party-list group.
On another note, voters will also be selecting candidates for local positions, including one member of the House of Representatives, one provincial governor, and one provincial vice governor.
At the city or municipal level, voters will elect one mayor, one vice mayor, and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod or Sangguniang Bayan, depending on their locality.
With only two days remaining before the election of the country’s next set of leaders, here are some important reminders for voters to ensure a smooth, orderly, and lawful voting experience.
Essential reminders for voters ahead of election day
- Verify your voter registration status
- Know your assigned precinct and designated voting center through the COMELEC Precinct Finder
- Make sure to prepare a valid government ID like a passport, driver’s license, or similar identification
- Have your list of preferred candidates ready to ensure a smooth and efficient voting experience
Election day do’s and don’ts every voter must know
Do's
- Go to your polling precinct early to steer clear of heavy queues.
- Handle your ballot with care and make sure to use the ballot secrecy folder while voting
- Use the COMELEC-issued marking pen to fill in the circle next to your selected candidate’s name
- Once you’ve finished voting, check your voter’s receipt for accuracy and place it in the proper drop box
Dont's
- Campaigning and the wearing of campaign-related items are not allowed inside the polling precinct
- Overvoting is not allowed—vote only for the permitted number of candidates per position to avoid invalidating your vote
- Taking pictures of your ballot, voter’s receipt, or the ACM screen is strictly prohibited
- Do not place any marks on the ballot except for shading the designated circle
- Do not take the ballot, voter’s receipt, marking pen, or ballot secrecy folder outside the polling place, except for ballots intended for PPP and PDL-SPP voters
- Bringing bladed or pointed items like knives and scissors into the polling place is strictly prohibited
- Do not sell your vote
For more updates and live coverage on election day, follow our #Desisyon2025 tag on social media.
