VotePH2025: Step-by-step guide to voting, do’s and don’ts

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ELECTIONS composite image from Inquirer files

MANILA, Philippines—Are you ready to vote in the 2025 National and Local Elections?

On May 12, registered voters across the country will elect 12 senators, party-list groups, and local officials, including governors, vice governors, mayors, vice mayors, and councilors.

To help ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience at your polling place, here’s a step-by-step guide to casting your vote, along with important reminders from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Before Election Day: Know your precinct and polling place

Each registered voter is assigned a precinct number and polling site, which is usually a public school. For the 2025 elections, however, Comelec is also offering mall voting in select locations to make voting more accessible.

Check your voting details in two ways:

• Look for your voter’s information sheet (VIS), which is delivered directly to your household by Comelec-deputized workers.
• Or, access the Comelec Precinct Finder to get your precinct number, sequence number, and assigned polling place.

Knowing this in advance can save you time and help you avoid confusion on election day.

What you’re voting for

In the 2025 midterm elections, Filipinos will cast their votes for both national and local positions.

At the national level, each voter will pick 12 senators and one party-list group to represent marginalized sectors in the House of Representatives. Voters will also select one district representative (a congressman or congresswoman) to represent their area in Congress.

For provincial positions, voters will choose one governor and one vice governor, as well as members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the province’s legislative board.

In cities or municipalities, voters will elect one mayor and one vice mayor, along with members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (city council) or Sangguniang Bayan (municipal council), depending on their locality.

The number of councilors and board members you can vote for may vary depending on your province or city. These details can be found in your Voter’s Information Sheet or by checking with your local Comelec office.

Voting hours

Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025.

But for senior citizens, persons with disability (PWDs), and pregnant voters, early voting is allowed starting at 5:00 a.m., as long as their assistant (if any) is registered in the same precinct.

How to vote: 8 quick steps on election day

Step 1. Approach the electoral board.

Once you arrive at your designated classroom or polling station, tell the poll workers your full name, precinct number, and sequence number (as shown on your VIS or online record).

Step 2. Verification of registration.

The electoral board will check your name on the Election Day Computerized Voters List (EDCVL) and inspect your fingernail for indelible ink, which indicates if you have already voted.

Step 3. Sign the EDCVL.

If you have no ink mark, you’ll be asked to sign beside your name on the official list.

Step 4. Receive your ballot and pen.

The chairperson will show you a clean ballot and place it inside a ballot secrecy folder, along with a marking pen. Do not remove the ballot from the folder.

Step 5. Vote carefully.

Go to the voting area and fully shade the circle next to your chosen candidate’s name. Do not vote for more candidates than allowed per position—this will invalidate your vote for that contest.

Step 6. Feed the ballot into the machine.

Insert your completed ballot into the Automated Counting Machine (ACM). Wait for the machine to display the ballot image and print your voter receipt.

Step 7. Check your receipt.

Review the names printed. If you find any discrepancy, notify the electoral board before leaving the polling place. Drop your receipt into the designated box—you are not allowed to take it home.

Step 8. Return the materials and get inked.

Give back the folder and marking pen. Poll workers will then apply indelible ink on the forefinger of your right hand to signify that you have voted.

You’re done! You may now exit the polling place.

DO’s and DON’Ts on Election Day

DO:

• Check your precinct and sequence number ahead of time via the Comelec Precinct Finder or your VIS.
• Bring a kodigo (your own list of chosen candidates) to make voting quicker and easier.
• Vote only within the allowed number of candidates per position (e.g., 12 for senator, 1 for mayor).
• Fully shade the circle next to your chosen candidates—partial marks may not be counted.
• Handle your ballot with care. Keep it clean, uncreased, and inside the secrecy folder.
• Check your voter receipt before submitting it to the receptacle box.
• Report problems such as pre-marked ballots, machine errors, or intimidation to the electoral board.
• Return the folder and pen after use

DON’T:

• Don’t over-vote. Voting for more candidates than allowed in any position will nullify your vote for that contest.
• Don’t write or add marks on the ballot other than shading the circles—this may invalidate it.
• Don’t fold, tear, or smudge your ballot. Damaged ballots may not be accepted.
• Don’t take photos of your ballot or voter receipt—this is a prohibited act under election laws.
• Don’t wear campaign paraphernalia (t-shirts, pins, etc.) or promote candidates at the polling place.
• Don’t talk to other voters about your choices while inside the voting area.
• Don’t bring weapons or cause any disturbance in the voting premises.
• Don’t forget to return the folder and pen, or to have your finger marked with indelible ink.
• Don’t linger in the polling station after voting—give way to others.

Having trouble?

If you encounter issues such as your name missing from the list, damaged ballots, or questions about the process, don’t hesitate to ask for help from the Electoral Board on site. They are trained to assist you.

Let your voice be heard. Vote smart. Vote responsibly. Vote on May 12.

Graphics by Ed Lustan/Inquirer.net. Source: Commission on Elections