POWER OF THE BALLOT — Comelec Urges Voters: Help Shape Nation, Go Vote

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Commission on Elections in Western Visayas is urging registered voters to exercise their right to vote, emphasizing the power of the ballot in shaping the country’s future for the next three years.

“I encourage those who are registered voters in any city or municipality to exercise your right to vote, your right to make decisions on who you want to vote for in the next three years,” Comelec-6 Director Atty. Dennis Ausan told Daily Guardian.

He highlighted the importance of participating in the democratic process.

“This is just one of those occasions where we are equal in the eyes of the law,” he said.

“We each get one vote—whether you’re a woman, a man, a senior, or a youth—so it’s just a matter of availing this chance,” he added.

Ausan also reminded voters that casting a ballot is a civic duty and a responsibility to the country.

He encouraged early voting, particularly for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women.

Early voting hours are from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. and apply to vulnerable voters and their assistors, who must be registered at the same precinct.

“Don’t wait for the last hour to go to the voting centers,” Ausan said.

“If they can avail it, it will be better so they won’t encounter inconveniences during regular voting hours.”

Vulnerable voters may still choose to vote during regular hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., where they will have access to priority lanes.

Comelec also issued reminders on proper voting procedures.

Voters must fully shade the ovals beside their chosen candidates’ names to ensure accurate reading by the vote-counting machines.

To avoid delays, voters are allowed to bring a kodigo—a personal list of chosen candidates.

While bringing a cellphone to the polling precinct is allowed, Comelec prohibits its use inside the precinct, especially for taking photos or videos while voting.

Violators may face election offense charges and possible arrest, Ausan warned.

Registered voters are advised to verify their registration and locate their assigned polling precinct through the Comelec Precinct Finder before election day.

Comelec-6 projects a voter turnout of 70 to 75 percent for the midterm elections in Western Visayas.

This estimate aligns with turnout rates from past midterm polls.

“We don’t really have a target number of voters, but of course we want 100 percent,” Ausan said.

“But history tells us that during midterm elections, our turnout normally hovers between 70 to 75 percent,” he added.

Ausan emphasized that such turnout already reflects strong public participation.