MIDTERM elections will take place tomorrow. Whether you are a first-time voter or not, if you aren’t ready, consider this a foolproof guide on how to participate in this democratic practice.

     Quick reminder: this advice only applies to registered voters. If you’re unsure about your registration status, consider checking the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) Precinct Finder Website at https://precinctfinder.comelec.gov.ph/voter_precinct. 

The basics

     During the Philippine Midterm Elections, registered voters elect 12 senators, responsible for creating national laws and overseeing budgets, and one House representative, who passes laws for their district and helps shape national policy. 

     At the local level, voters elect a mayor, who governs the city or municipality, a vice-mayor, who assists in administration and leads the city council, and six city council members, who draft local ordinances and ensure effective governance. 

     Additionally, voters choose one party-list representative who advocates for marginalized sectors and pushes for policies that benefit underrepresented communities.

Picking a candidate

     Political candidates range from passionate public servants to celebrities who have no idea about the job description for the positions they're running for, and even convicted criminals.

     It’s important to know how party lists were established. Is it run by big-time businessmen? Or by political candidates pretending to understand the struggle of middle—and lower-class citizens?

     Many local-level political candidates treat the elections as a family tradition since most of them come from long-standing political dynasties, some of whom run unopposed. This is just something to keep in mind during election day. 

     There are many candidates to choose from, so it’s important to do some prior research into the different candidates’ platforms and track records to ensure that your vote won’t go to waste. 

What to expect

     Before even heading into the precinct, try familiarizing yourself with the ballot. The COMELEC website offers 2025 ballot face templates across all districts. 

     It's also a good practice to list the numbers of all the political candidates you intend to vote for to avoid confusion. Bringing kodigos (your list of candidates) is allowed during voting. 

     While sample ballots are given in precincts during election day, these usually come from political candidates trying to sway your vote. 

     Polls will be open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant voters are allowed to vote early starting at 5:00 AM, provided their assistant is registered in the same precinct. That said, it is highly recommended that you go early to avoid long lines, especially in remote areas. 

     Follow the allowed number of votes per position and remember not to over-vote, as this will nullify your vote. Also, you don’t have to force yourself to vote for 12 senators if you’re only sure of six, eight, or fewer. Filling all slots just for the sake of it increases the risk of accidentally voting for a corrupt politician. The best advice, repeated time and time again, is to vote based on informed choice and clear intention.

     After carefully feeding the ballot into the Automated Counting Machine, check your receipt and review the names printed. If any discrepancies are present, notify the electoral board before leaving the precinct.

     If you find that the names printed in the receipt match your votes, you may proceed by dropping the receipt in the designated box, as you are not allowed to take it home. 

     Displaying campaign items throughout the voting process is also strictly prohibited along with taking photos of the ballot and voter receipt. 

     If any problems or issues arise during voting, don’t hesitate to ask for help from the Electoral Board, as they are trained to assist you. 

Not voting?

     During election season, many feel discouraged from exercising their right to vote. Celebrities and candidates from political dynasties, while criticized and mocked heavily, still dominate election surveys. 

     On the other hand, seeing a candidate you dislike gain unexpected traction might make you feel like your political views are uniquely yours and disconnected from the majority.

     These trends often lead people to doubt whether one vote can truly make a difference, let alone change the country’s direction. 

     But here’s the reality: not voting only worsens the problem.

     Voting is fundamental. If we want our chosen candidates to win, we must actually cast our votes. Skipping the polls only increases the chances of undesirable candidates securing victory.

     Case in point: Your vote matters. Use it wisely.