First-time voters’ guide to a wise voting

THE mid-year election season is something that the majority of Filipinos are looking forward to. With the high hopes of electing the rightful leader to lead the nation’s betterment–leading to the improvement of the lives of millions of Filipinos.

Whether it’s your first time voting or not, being able to put your vote for the right leader is a powerful step as it contributes a lot of factor when it comes to shaping your community and the country’s future. 

Each citizen has the right to vote, and this right should be utilized wisely.  

If you happen to be voting for the first time, chances are you are being overwhelmed by the process. You might be overthinking whether you’re doing the right thing when it comes to looking for the right candidate, but fear not, as you are not alone in this situation.  

This guide will serve as a breakdown to know everything you should know before casting your vote on the ballot. By reading this guide, you’ll be able to make a confident choice when it comes to choosing who to vote for. 

Make sure you’re registered

Before thinking about who to vote for, you should first make sure that you’re registered. Last year, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) opened the voter registration for first-time voters. 

Through this registration, voters will be granted a precinct number. 

To find your precinct number, you can visit this article for a step-by-step guide:

What do the Filipinos need?

Before considering who to vote for, we must ask ourselves what the country needs. Do we need easy healthcare access? Higher minimum wages? More progressive reproductive rights?  

What do Filipinos need exactly? Since you’re voting for the person who promises the betterment of society through his/her platform, it is time to ask yourself as one of the citizens in your country.

By observing and asking yourself questions, you’ll be able to have a guide and a better understanding of what the country needs. 

Know who to vote for

While a lot of candidates make a too-good-to-be-true promise on their campaign, it is still very important to know the person you are voting for. Doesn’t mean that you hear their name a lot on TV means that they deserve to be in the chair. 

Vote accordingly through their credentials. What have they done in the past? Do they have a clean record? Is their career path in politics aligned with what they know and have studied? 

They may have a good platform to advertise, but you should do your research on the person as well. Watch their debate and interviews, see how they answer those questions that have been thrown at them. That way, you’ll know them for who they are. 

Talk to others

Everyone has their own political opinions, and some might even consider talking about the topic of politics to be too sensitive to be even talked about. 

However, it is not entirely unhealthy to talk about politics from time to time especially when both parties are able to give and receive insights from one another. 

From this, you’ll come to understand where this person is coming from, especially on why they like or don’t like the candidate that’s running.   

As overwhelming as it feels, having to vote is a meaningful way to day that you care about your country.

By taking the time to do your assignment through the means of research and understanding your rights and responsibilities, you’re grooming yourself up to vote, not because it’s needed, but because you want a better future for yourself and for every Filipino. 

Make your first vote count by voting wisely.