Comelec reminds voters to be mindful of ballots, avoid mistakes and doodles

Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez reminded voters on Thursday to be mindful of their ballots to avoid accidentally invalidating their votes in the 2018 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Jimenez said in an interview on Unang Balita that they observed several mistakes by voters during the poll day simulation they held in April, including some writing SK candidates on barangay ballots, and vice versa.

"Dapat tingnan natin, maging mindful tayo du'n sa balotang ginagamit natin," Jimenez said. "Siguraduhin po nila na bago sila sumulat ng pangalan sa mga balota, alamin nila na tamang balota ang ginagamit nila."

SK ballots are printed in red while barangay ballots are printed in black. Only persons aged 15 to 30 may vote in the SK elections, while those aged 18 and above may vote in the barangay polls.

The campaign period begins on Friday, May 4, and will end on May 12, two days before election day on May 14. President Rodrigo Duterte has declared May 14 as a special non-working holiday.

"Kasabay niyan, siyempre 'yung ating training sa mga guro na magiging election workers natin or magiging bahagi ng electoral board ay ongoing po," Jimenez said, noting that all but the most isolated places have already received all election materials.

Candidates were reminded to keep their propaganda materials sized 2 feet x 3 feet and posted only in common poster areas. All materials posted elsewhere prior to the proper campaign period must be removed voluntarily, else they will be removed by Comelec and partner agencies.

Narco list can affect voter's choices

Jimenez said the list of barangay officials who are allegedly involved in illegal drugs released by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) can be used to whittle down the candidates who will make it on their ballots.

"Hangga't makakaya natin, susubukan nating ipakalat yan," Jimenez said. —Rie Takumi/KG, GMA News