First time voting!

Today, May 10th, marked the first automated elections in the Philippines. Many dreaded, many feared, but also, many were hopeful.

I woke up around eight in the morning and quickly took a bath, got whatever shirt was on top of the clean pile and got my pair of pants hanging behind my door. Since I was extremely lazy to put on shoes, I just used my bedroom slippers and accompanied my mom to the Bel-air covered courts. Since my mom is a senior citizen, she didn't have to line up, so I had to line up, but only for a short while as she called me up on my mobile and told that cluster number 47 could already vote.

Upon arrival I had a bit of spat with the Board of Election Inspector (though it wasn't her fault; she was just doing her job) and a few PPCRV volunteers. My name was not found on their list but it was on the master list of Bel-air. I showed them proof that I registered, and, I know they meant well when they didn't let me vote for the time being. I was a little pissed by the disorganization but everything was cleared when we all saw my name. They simply overlooked it. I did not want them to explain any further; I didn't want to cause delay, and I just asked for the secrecy folder, the marker and the ballot and did my duty and fulfilled my right.

Still though, I have my recommendations... not only as a first time voter but a great lover of this country. Like many other optimistic youths out there, I don't want the Philippines to be in such a disarray, so, I hope if anyone reads this, please take my suggestions into account.

First off, I believe that there shouldn't be too many cluster numbers in one presinct. Maybe in PCOS machine, a total of three or four cluster numbers will do. Many people will suffer from heat if they wait too long, they will get tired and cranky and will evidently lose their enthusiasm to vote. I don't mind senior citizens and pregnant mothers getting special treatment: for the more established and well-financed barangays, their air conditioned function rooms can be used as special voting areas so that they will not only feel refreshed, but also they will not lose their love for this country and simply go home not exercising their right.

Second, I strongly believe that water dispensers must be available outside the voting venue so that before and after voting, voters can drink a cup of water. I don't think bringing food is a good idea, but maybe candies that don't stain the hands (like Mentos) can be brought into the area to prevent dizziness.

Third, parents, especially the mothers, should not bring their children (below 13) to the voting area. For one thing they do distract parents who are voting and at the same time watching them. To be honest I was getting very annoyed with some kids running around, and I began wondering if they knew that this was a serious event.

Fourth, there should be more vigilant eyes around. I did not know that using the phone was not allowed inside the voting area (seriously!!!). When my friend texted me, however, I simply ignored my vibrating phone while I was shading the circle. I also kept with me my kodigo. I highly recommend writing one, if one wants a speedy cast.

Also those who are done voting can help by watching the exterior of the voting area. In the news today I heard that many people are still illegally campaigning and that there are even desperate supporters buying votes from Php 50-10,000. Let's keep an eye out for those.

Fifth, I was bothered with human error, such as the ink going into the ballot and stuff like that. These people who lined up to register as voters were discounted, which, I believe, is a violation of 1) our right to suffrage and 2) our right to express our opinion. Like my friend said: crappy preparations. Perhaps in the 2013 senatorial elections there will be a more systematized procedure.

Oh yes, I'm willing to forgive for first time's sake, but the second time I will seriously bring out the Human Rights activist in me.

Despite all the great mess-ups, can I just say, I am so effin' proud to be Filipino, to be part of history, and to be a full-pledged voter of this great republic.

Comments

[Myta]

Hey Omar! I asked myself the same question: my mom is purple too. I guess it's the chemical composition of my finger nail. I don't know. haha

But yes, COMELEC is still disorganized despite the fact that the voting procedure is dominantly automated. I really feel that they are running around like headless chickens. Have they been briefed about things that are bound to happen? But, like I said, it's the first time so let's forgive.

However I am greatly worried about those who have not cast their vote. That's a violation of the right. Sigh... next time, they ought to make a more organized procedure. :|

[Omar Manundo]

how come your ink is greenish? mine was purple-y... trivial stuff aside, what you said are true... there was people still giving out those sample ballots to people about to enter the cluster precints. its so annoying that you lined up so patiently only to discover there was a lot of people cutting in the line! argh! and the incompetence of the poll watchers/commelec was the worst. she just had to read the manual to have saved us all the delay, I had to do it myself to be able to cast my vote... such a wonderful feeling when you see the PCOS machine say "Congratualtions" :)