The dos and don'ts of voting in the 2025 midterm elections

Don'ts

Don't take photos inside the voting precinct

Resist the urge to snap a selfie! Taking photos or videos inside the voting area, especially with your ballot or the vote counting machine, is strictly prohibited.

Don't campaign for a candidate on Election Day

Go neutral on poll day. Wearing shirts, accessories, or hats on May 12 as well as bringing materials to promote a candidate inside the polling area is an election violation. 

Don't overvote

You are not allowed to shade more than the number indicated for each post. Note, however, that you can undervote or abstain.

Don't forget to check your ballot

Check your ballot carefully before casting your vote. If it's damaged, torn, or has excess marks, call the attention of the Board of Elections inspectors for assistance. Note that a spoiled ballot needs to be replaced. 

Don't argue with election officers

If you encounter a problem, calmly discuss it with election officers. Arguing, causing disruption, or disrespecting poll workers can result in being barred from voting—or worse, legal charges.

Don't leave without getting your indelible ink mark

After casting your ballot, make sure you get the indelible ink mark on your finger. It serves as proof that you participated in the polls and helps prevent double voting. 

Dos

Verify your voter registration status

Before Election Day, make sure you are an active, registered voter. You can verify your status by visiting the Commission on Elections website or contacting your local election office.

Find your assigned precinct

You can search for your precinct online via precinctfinder.comelec.gov.ph and then answer whether you're voting locally in the Philippines or overseas. You will then have to input your full name, date of birth, and place of registration.

Once done, the site will show your assigned precinct and number.

If no record is found for your name but you're certain you're a registered voter, you can try typing your name in different ways such as "MA," "MA.," or "MARIA." You may also contact the Office of the Election Officer or email [email protected].

Bring a valid government-issued ID

Even if you already know your precinct and voter status, you must still bring a valid ID to verify your identity on poll day. Accepted IDs include your passport, driver's license, postal ID, and SSS/GSIS card.

Prepare a kodigo

It's legal to bring a small list or kodigo of the candidates you're voting for. This helps you vote faster and minimize mistakes. Just make sure it's a simple list and doesn't include campaign materials.

Here's a website that can help you create your own election kodigo.

Familiarize yourself with the 2025 ballot face

Take time to familiarize yourself with the 2025 ballot face before Election Day, including its layout, the categories and posts, and the list of candidates under each position. Doing so helps you avoid mistakes as you exercise your right to vote.

You can find the official 2025 ballot face templates here. 

The Comelec said there are 68,431,965 registered voters in the Philippines as of January 2025. 

In the upcoming polls, overseas Filipinos may vote from Apr. 13 to May 12, while local absentees—the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and media practitioners—may vote from Apr. 28 to 30.

As the force of disinformation continues to appear bigger than it is amid the election season, it's important to remember that we all have a significant role to play as individuals who consume and share social media content on a regular basis. PhilSTAR L!fe is inviting you to lead the fight and take responsibility with the launch of Facts Now, Feelings Later, which aims to combat disinformation by promoting cautious, mindful consumption and sharing of online information. Know more about our advocacy campaign campaign here.