VOTER’S EDUCATION

GROUP 2
INTRODUCTION

• Voting in a democratic society is vital because it allows

citizens to have a say in choosing their leaders and
shaping government policies. Informed voters play a
crucial role by making educated decisions based on
knowledge and understanding of the issues and
candidates, ensuring that the democratic process results
in accountable and effective governance. Their informed
choices contribute to a thriving and responsive
democracy.
1. The Philippine Electoral System
The Electoral System consists of different levels of elections, including local and national,
each with its own scope and significance:
1. Local Elections
2. * Barangay Elections: At the lowest level, barangay elections are held for barangay
captains and council members. Barangays are the smallest administrative units in the
Philippines.
3. * Municipal/City Elections: These elections determine mayors, vice mayors, and
city/municipal council members. Each municipality or city is divided into multiple
barangays.
* Provincial Elections: This level includes the election of governors, vice governors, and
provincial board members.
2. National Elections:
* Presidential Elections: Held every six years, these elections decide the President and
Vice President of the Philippines.
* Legislative Elections: The national legislature, known as the Congress of the *
Philippines, consists of two houses: the Senate (elected nationally) and the House of
Representatives (elected by district). Senators serve six-year terms, while Representatives
serve three-year terms.
1.1. The Voting process

Voter Registration: Eligible citizens must register to vote, providing

necessary identification and personal information.
1. Voting Day: On election day, voters go to their designated polling places,
which are often local schools or community centers.
2. Balloting Casting
3. Voters receive a ballot with the names of candidates for various positions.
4. In local elections, voters select their choices for barangay, municipal/city,
and provincial offices.
• In national elections, voters choose the President, Vice President, Senators,
and their Representative (if it’s a congressional election year).
1.2. The Voting Process

4. Counting and Tallying: After voting ends, election officials count the
votes and tally the results at each polling station.
5. Results Transmission: Results are transmitted to the Commission on
Elections (COMELEC) for tabulation.
6. Proclamation of Winners: Once the results are verified and finalized,
winners are proclaimed, and they assume their respective offices.
7. Election Code and Regulations: The Philippines follows an election
code that outlines the rules and regulations governing the electoral
process, including campaign spending limits, voting hours, and procedures
for addressing irregularities.
2. Voter Eligibility
• The criteria for voter eligibility are outlined in the Philippine Constitution
and election laws. To be eligible to vote in the Philippines, a person must
meet the following requirements:

1. Citizenship: The individual must be a natural-born Filipino citizen.

2. Age: The minimum voting age in the Philippines is 18 years old. Citizens
who turn 18 on or before Election Day are eligible to vote.
3. Residency: The voter must be a resident of the Philippines for at least one
year and a resident of the place where they intend to vote for at least six
months immediately preceding Election Day.
4. Disqualifications: Certain individuals are disqualified from voting,
including those declared insane or incompetent by a competent authority
and those convicted of certain offenses, such as electoral fraud.
2.1. Voter Registration

Voter registration is the procedure by which eligible individuals register to

vote. Here’s how it works:

1. Application: Eligible citizens who wish to register as voters must personally

go to the local Commission on Elections (COMELEC) office in their area.
2. Requirements: To register, an applicant typically needs to provide the
following documents:
3. Proof of identity and residency (e.g., government-issued ID, utility bills, or
other supporting documents).
• Accomplish a registration form provided by COMELEC.
2.2. Voter’s Registration

3. Biometrics Data: During registration, the applicant’s biometric

data, including fingerprints and a photograph, are taken for
verification.
4. Validation and Review: COMELEC reviews the applications and
conducts validations to ensure that applicants meet the eligibility
criteria.
5. Posting of List of Voters: A list of registered voters is posted for
public inspection. This allows for any challenges or corrections to be
made before the final voter list is established.
6. Voter’s ID: Once registered, voters are issued a Voter’s ID, which
serves as proof of their registration and eligibility to vote.
2.3. Voter’s Registration

It’s crucial for eligible citizens to register before an

election, as only registered voters are allowed to
participate in the electoral process. Voter registration
drives are typically conducted periodically to encourage
and facilitate registration among eligible citizens.
Importance of Voting
Voting is crucial because:
Individual Impact: Each vote represents a voice in the democratic process. It can
decide the outcome of an election, making your opinion count.
1. Collective Power: The cumulative effect of all votes determines who governs,
which policies are enacted, and how resources are allocated, shaping the direction
of a nation.
2. Accountability: Voting holds elected officials accountable. Politicians are more
likely to respond to the needs and desires of their constituents when they know
voters are watching.
3. Representation: Voting ensures diverse perspectives are considered in government,
promoting inclusivity and preventing the dominance of a few over the many.
4. Civic Responsibility: Participating in elections is a fundamental duty of citizenship,
fostering a sense of belonging and engagement in the democratic process. It’s the
cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
Political Parties and Candidates.

Political parties and Candidates are essential for the

functioning of a representative democracy, allowing
citizens to choose leaders and policies aligned with their
preferences.
Role of Political Parties:

Political parties play several crucial roles in a democratic system:

Representation: Parties represent various ideologies, values, and interests,

allowing citizens to align with like-minded groups.
Nominating Candidates: Parties select and endorse candidates to run for
political office, simplifying the choice for voters.
1. Formulating Policies: Parties develop platforms outlining their positions on
important issues, giving voters isight into their policy priorities.
2. Mobilizing Voters: Parties organize campaign efforts, reaching out to
potential voters, and encouraging civic participation.
3. Checks and Balances: Parties provide checks and balances by scrutinizing
the actions of the ruling party and holding them accountable.
Researching Candidates:
To make informed choices about candidates, follow these steps:

Background Check: Look into a candidate’s background, including their education, work experience, and previous public service roles.
Policy Positions: Research the candidate’s stance on key issues. Visit their campaign website, read their statements, and watch debates
or interviews.
Voting Record: If the candidate has held public office before, examine their voting record to see if it aligns with your priorities.
Campaign Finance: Investigate their sources of campaign funding to understand potential influences on their decision-making.
1. Endorsements and Affiliations: Learn about the organizations, individuals, or political parties endorsing or affiliating with the
candidate.
2. Public Statements: Analyze the candidate’s public statements and social media activity to gauge their communication style and
consistency.
3. Debates and Forums: Watch candidate debates and forums to assess their ability to articulate their positions and respond to
challenges.
4. Local News: Consult local news sources for insights into a candidate’s activities and reputation within the community.
5. Ask Questions: Attend town hall meetings or engage with the candidate directly to ask questions about their positions and plans.
6. Compare Candidates: Compare multiple candidates running for the same office to make an informed choice.
By conducting thorough research, you can better understand a
candidate’s qualifications and positions, helping you vote for the
individual who best represents your values and interests.
Election Day
Voting Process on Election Day:

Check Voter Registration: Ensure you’re registered to vote in your designated polling place.
Arrival at the Polling Place: On election day, go to your assigned polling location, typically a
local school or community center.
Check-In: Queue up in line and provide your name to the election officials. They’ll verify
your registration and ask for identification in some cases.
Receive a Ballot: Once verified, you’ll receive a ballot, either paper or electronic,
depending on your location.
Mark Your Choices: In a private booth, mark your choices for the candidates and any ballot
measures. Follow the instructions carefully.
1. Submit Your Ballot: Place your marked ballot in the designated ballot box or submit it
electronically, depending on the voting method.
Importance of Voter Turnout:

Voter turnout is the foundation of a functioning democracy, ensuring that the

government properly represents the will of the people.
Voter turnout is critical for several reason

Democracy: High turnout ensures that elected officials truly represent the diverse voices
and concerns of the population.
Legitimacy: A high turnout strengthens the legitimacy of the election and the resulting
government, as it reflects broader public consent.
1. Accountability: Politicians are more likely to be accountable to a larger, engaged
electorate, leading to better governance and responsiveness.
2. Policy Impact: Voter turnout can influence policy decisions, as politicians pay
attention to the priorities of engaged voters.
5. Diverse Perspectives: A broad turnout includes a wider range of
perspectives, promoting inclusivity and preventing the domination
of a few interests.
6. Civic Engagement: Encouraging voter turnout fosters civic
engagement, which is essential for a vibrant and functioning
democracy.
RIGHT

What are the qualities should I look for?

R – Righteous Governance
I – Integrity
G – Giftedness
H – Heart
T – Track Record
Voter’s Rights
Voters’ rights refer to the legally protected entitlements
and privileges granted to eligible citizens in a democratic
society during the electoral process.
Voter’s Responsibilities
Voters’ responsibilities refer to the civic duties and obligations that
eligible citizens have in a democratic society when participating in
the electoral process.
Voter Education Resources
Online Resources:

Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Website: The official COMELEC

website (comelec.gov.ph) provides essential information on voter
registration, election schedules, and voter education materials.
iRehistro: This online platform by COMELEC allows eligible voters to
register and check their registration status online.
• Rappler’s “PH Vote” Section: Rappler’s PH Vote section
(rappler.com/newsbreak/iq) offers in-depth coverage of elections,
including candidate profiles, election news, and analysis.
ABS-CBN’s “Halalan” Section: ABS-CBN’s Halalan section (news.abs-
cbn.com/halalan) provides comprehensive election coverage,
including voter education resources and election-related news.
• GMA News Online’s “Eleksyon” Section: GMA News Online’s
Eleksyon section (gmanetwork.com/news/eleksyon) offers
election-related news, voter guides, and candidate information.
Government Resources:

COMELEC Offices: Local COMELEC offices across the Philippines can

provide printed materials, voter registration forms, and information
on the electoral process.
Department of Education (DepEd): DepEd often collaborates with
COMELEC to disseminate voter education materials to schools and
students.
• Local Government Units (LGUs): Municipal and city governments
may distribute voter education pamphlets and conduct voter
registration drives.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):

Kontra Daya: An NGO focused on election monitoring and voter

education. Check their website or social media channels for
educational resources.
PPCRV (Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting): An
organization dedicated to voter education and election monitoring.
They often provide educational materials and resources.
• Election Watchdogs: Various local election watchdog organizations
often offer voter education materials and host educational events.
Civic Engagement

• Civic engagement refers to the active participation of individuals

in their communities and in the broader political and social
processes that shape society. It involves citizens taking an active
role in addressing societal issues, advocating for change, and
contributing to the betterment of their communities and the world
at large.
• Civic engagement plays a vital role in strengthening democracies,
fostering social cohesion, and bringing about positive change. It
empowers individuals to have a voice in the decisions that impact
their lives and helps build a more just and equitable society.
Avoiding Voter Fraud

Impersonation: Someone pretends to be another voter and casts a fraudulent ballot in

their name.
Double Voting: A person attempts to vote more than once, either in the same or different
jurisdictions.
Ballot Box Stuffing: Adding fraudulent ballots to the ballot box, often by election officials
or insiders.
Voter Intimidation: Using threats, coercion, or harassment to deter eligible voters from
casting their ballots.
Illegal Absentee Voting: Submitting absentee ballots on behalf of voters who didn’t
request them or were ineligible.
1. Forgery: Forging signatures on registration forms or absentee ballots.
2. Dead People Voting: Registering and casting votes in the name of deceased individuals.
3. Vote Buying/Selling: Paying or receiving money or favors in exchange for votes.
Encourage reporting any irregularities to the
appropriate authorities, such as local
election officials or the state’s election
commission. Reporting helps maintain the
integrity of the electoral process and ensures
that elections are fair and free from fraud.