The upcoming May 9 National and Local Elections is the most important event of the year that will change our lives.
Don’t let your age stop you from participating in this year’s elections, whether by voting or advocating for responsible voting, especially if you’re young. Because honestly, we need all the help we can get to ensure clean, honest, accurate, meaningful, and peaceful elections. We must elect the right people to be in government because this next batch of leaders will continue our country’s ongoing pandemic recovery efforts and help determine our future.
So, if you’re young and you care about securing a bright future for the country, we’ve listed down several ways you can help advocate responsible voting in the upcoming elections:
Educate your friends
This year’s election had a historic increase in registered voters. And honestly, we think it’s amazing that more and more Filipinos are choosing to exercise their right to vote.
So if you have friends who are voting for the first time, teach them how to be responsible voters. Aside from teaching them voting basics like how to shade a ballot properly to make sure their vote gets counted, you can also influence them to be discerning so they can choose the best candidates.
Practice safety precautions when heading to and while at election sites
With the elections happening alongside the pandemic, you must be responsible and follow all health and safety protocols strictly.
While at election sites, observe physical distancing, sanitize your hands regularly, and wear your face mask properly. We also recommend bringing your own pen. Comelec also advises voters to wear face shields unless they are in areas under alert levels one to three, where face shields are voluntary.
Stay home instead if you feel sick or are confirmed COVID-positive before election day.
Attend or watch the presidential and vice-presidential debates
Get to know the candidates and their platforms more by watching the Pilipinas Debates 2022 The Turning Point, organized by the COMELEC in partnership with Vote Pilipinas, supported by Smart. Below are the schedules. You can also watch them live online at the Smart Facebook page or Vote Pilipinas. Share this with your friends too!
| Event | Date | Time | Venue |
| Presidential debate 1 | Saturday, March 19 | 7:30 – 9:30 PM | Sofitel Philippines Plaza Manila |
| Vice Presidential debate 1 | Sunday, March 20 | 7:30 – 9:30 PM | Sofitel Philippines Plaza Manila |
| Presidential debate 2 | Sunday, April 3 | 7:30 – 9:30 PM | Sofitel Philippines Plaza Manila |
| Vice Presidential Town Hall | Saturday, April 23 | 7:30 – 9:30 PM | Sofitel Philippines Plaza Manila |
| Presidential Town Hall | Sunday, April 24 | 7:30 – 9:30 PM | Sofitel Philippines Plaza Manila |
Educate your friends, practice safety precautions, and watch the debates. That way, you can help in the coming elections and advocate responsible voting. #LiveSmartVoteSmart
