Make sure your vote is counted

MANILA, Philippines – Use only the official marker. Completely shade the oval beside the candidate’s name. Don’t take photos of your ballot.

These are among the last-minute reminders given by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ensure that the votes of over 53 million qualified voters will be counted in today’s polls.

It said voters must use only the official marker provided by the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) and not just any ball pen or other unauthorized writing instrument.

“The ballot must be filled in completely and do not ‘overvote’ or shade more ovals than there are positions to be voted for. Overvoted positions will not be counted,” the Comelec stressed.

A voter, however, may choose to “undervote” or shade fewer ovals than the positions available.

Do not tear or take pictures of the ballots. ILLUSTRATIONS BY RENE ARANDA

 

The Comelec also advised voters to use the ballot properly to avoid damaging it or rendering it unreadable by the vote counting machines.

“Tearing or making unauthorized markings on the ballot may result in ballot rejection,” the poll body said.

A voter may also call the attention of the BEIs if there are concerns about the contents of the voting receipts. The BEIs will note the concerns in the minutes of voting and will attach the authenticated receipt as part of evidence.

No voter is allowed to take pictures of ballots and receipts or bring these out of the polling place.

After filling in the ballots, the Comelec said, a voter should insert it into the VCM and wait for the voting receipt, which will be cut by a member of the BEI. The finger will be stained with indelible ink before the receipt is given.

The Comelec said voters should check the receipt before dropping it into the receptacle.