The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday advised voters to make and take with them when they vote their own “codigo” or “cheat sheets” listing the candidates they will vote for after thoughtful consideration.
“That’s our suggestion, we encourage voters to prepare their codigo or list of candidates they intend to vote for,” Comelec Chair Andres Bautista told a press briefing.
He said voters should not just rely on sample ballots distributed by candidates’ supporters, “they should come up with their own list. Do their research about the candidates and seriously think about whom to pick as the next leaders of the country.”
He urged voters to find out where their voting precincts are ahead of Election Day and to vote early on May 9.
Voting hours are from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Meanwhile, the poll body has directed all city, municipality, barangay and provincial governments to open daycare centers on election day from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“This is to ensure that mothers with small children would be able to vote,” Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said.
“We appeal to the local government units to please comply with the resolution requiring them to open daycare centers with facilities and staff on election day,” she said.
Guanzon brought up to the Comelec en banc the proposal to open daycare centers on election day after one vice mayor in Cebu observed that some women, mothers in particular, might opt not to endure the long lines at polling centers with their children in tow.