Are you a registered voter yet?
The window for registration is almost closing. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has previously announced that the last day to register as a voter is on September 30, 2021.
If you’re planning to vote for the 2022 National Elections, here are some helpful tips.
If you’re still not registered, do it now.
Every vote counts. Practice your right to vote. Take it as an opportunity for you to help yourself and the country.
To register, you may search for the nearest Office of the Election Officer (OEO) or Satellite Registration Site.
Make sure to check the list of requirements in COMELEC’s website before heading there.
For your safety, don’t forget to observe health and safety protocols.
You may also visit our previous blog post on how to register for the national elections here.
The Senate of the Philippines has already filed a bill to extend the registration period from September 30, 2021 to October 31, 2021, with considerations to the recent quarantine protocols.
Approved for the second reading, the Senate will decide in the following week whether the extension will take effect or not.
COMELEC has also previously noted that they will not be extending the registration period since they have already reached the target number of voters which is currently at 62 Million.
However, COMELEC has made adjustments to the availability of the registration areas, extending the registration hours and placing satellite registration areas in shopping malls.
Stay tuned for more news updates on the final decision on possible voter’s registration extension.
So you’re already a registered voter. What’s next?
Do your research.
Political campaigns, whether it be on traditional or new media, are designed to seduce you for your vote.
They’re all very alluring and appealing. While most of what’s shown is true, it’s still the voter’s responsibility to make sure the candidate is telling the whole story.
Voters should also check the background of their prospective candidates to be sure they are as credible as they seem to be.
Another common mistake is simply accepting what the candidates say. Politicians are good with speeches, and if you listen enough, they will convince you to vote for them.
They might say that their presence helped certain communities, or how their projects improved the lives of many, and that they promise to bring a better future for all their constituents.
Make sure your vote is not based on just their promises. Check what they’re saying and compare it with articles and news published online.
Remember to check only with trustworthy news and media sources before deciding to avoid wrong and misleading information.
Protect your vote.
We all know that vote-buying and selling is illegal and is punishable by law for all parties involved, but forget about that for a minute.
Giving away your vote affects your future. Accepting money for your vote helps you for about a week, but voting wisely will help you in the years to come.
Don’t let a quick fix rob you of the opportunity for a better future. Keep your vote and take a stand against what you don’t want to see in public office.
You not only contribute to a better community, you also prevent wrong people from being elected in the process.
Remember, you don’t have to run for office to help it become a better place.
Know your voting site and status.
Voters who are unsure on where they’ll be voting should reach out to their local Office of the Elections Officer or Barangay Hall before the election to be properly informed on their voting site.
For voters who have transferred residency, consider relocating your voting site for the 2022 National Elections.
You may need to re-apply at your nearest Office of the Elections Officer so you can update your voter’s records.
Voters who haven’t voted in the last 2 elections may have to re-activate their voter status to vote in the upcoming election.
If you are unsure on whether your voting credentials are deactivated, you may reach out to the COMELEC’s Information Technology Department at 8527-9365 or 8526-7769 or visit your nearest Office of the Elections Officer.
Set your own standards for your candidates.
Voting is your way of trying to bring your ideals into reality. If you have a certain vision for the future, make sure to look for a candidate that has the same beliefs.
You might be looking for a candidate that hasn’t shown any signs of corrupt activities; or a candidate whose principles match yours; probably a candidate who is proven to be humane when dealing with certain activities.
Find a candidate that best fits your standards and do not settle for less.
While it’s important for you to set your rules, make sure you do not overlook the other facts.
There will be cases where you have a preeminent candidate that fits all your standards, but has a notorious background.
Make sure to take into consideration all sides of their character and not only focus on the things you want to see.
To wrap up, make sure to vote and be part of the change you want to see in the world. Help your loved ones experience a better future.
Vote for a candidate who shares the same interests as you, and they will help your visions turn into reality.
If you know someone who hasn’t registered yet or has no plan to vote, make sure they understand what they’re giving up and how it affects their future.
Help them understand how their vote can make an impact, and that their vote matters.
Find out more about the candidates for the 2022 National Elections with Smart’s fast 5G mobile data.
Download the Giga Life app now and subscribe to exciting data promos to get more info on the candidates and updated news on the 2022 National Elections.
