BARMM 2026 elections: What to do before, during, after voting

After four postponements, it's all systems go for the parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

To all BARMM voters, here is a practical guide to navigate election day safely and smoothly.

Before the vote

On September 13, the day before the election, a nationwide liquor ban will take effect, as indicated on the official Commission on Elections (Comelec) calendar.

Be sure to adhere to all election regulations, including restrictions related to illegal campaigning, carrying of weapons under the active gun ban, and vote-buying or selling.

When you cast your ballot, you are permitted to bring a prepared list or cheat sheet ("kodigo") of your selected candidates, provided it reflects your own personal choices.

You may prepare your selections for the following positions in advance:

• One (1) Regional Parliamentary Political Party
• One (1) District Representative
• Six (6) Sectoral Representatives (2 for Settler Communities, and 1 each for Women, Youth, Ulama, and Traditional Leaders)

To avoid delays, verify your polling precinct ahead of time using Comelec's online precinct finder:
https://precinctfinder.comelec.gov.ph/voter_precinct

Your designated polling location may be a public school, barangay hall, or other community facility.

To search for your precinct details, enter your full registered name, date of birth, and place of registration.

Voting day

On election day, priority voters can take advantage of designated early voting hours from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. They include senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant women.

Regular voting hours run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Priority voters could still vote during regular voting hours and would still be given priority access in line.

According to the Comelec, priority voters may proceed to the following designated areas:

• Regular Precincts
• Accessible Polling Places (APPs): Set up for PWDs, senior citizens, and pregnant voters who previously requested an APP setup on their voter registration records.
• Priority Polling Places (PPPs): Designated areas within the voting center specifically arranged for PWDs, senior citizens, and pregnant voters who have difficulty walking or climbing stairs.

All designated priority polling areas are located exclusively on the ground floor of voting centers.

Shading of ballots

The election will utilize Automated Counting Machines (ACMs). This means voters will shade their selections on paper ballots and feed them into the ACMs, which will then print a paper audit trail (voter receipt) reflecting their chosen candidates.

Upon arriving at your assigned precinct and room, present yourself to the Electoral Board and state your full name and precinct number clearly.

Take note: a voter's ID is not required to vote. However, in case they need further verification of your identity, it is best to bring valid IDs.

The board will issue you: (1) a ballot; and (2) a secrecy folder. Inspect your ballot before sitting down to ensure it is clean, blank, and unmarked.

You may refer to your candidate list ("kodigo") while filling out your ballot.

To prevent confusion, political party names will be indicated on the ballot alongside their official logos.

Take note of the political party's name and not their nominees as the latter will not be printed on the ballot.

For individual candidate races, candidate photographs will be printed beside their names to help voters distinguish candidates with similar names.

For accessibility, ballots are printed in Filipino, English, and Arabic.

After completing your ballot, feed it directly into the ACM, which will process the paper and print your voting receipt.

Take your time to carefully review your receipt and confirm that it accurately records all your choices before placing it in the designated drop box.

Finally, to signify that you have exercised your right to vote, indelible ink will be applied to your forefinger before you exit the room.

Participating in the vote is a vital civic responsibility, but a voter's duty does not end once the ink dries.

As Comelec tallies the votes—targeting a full proclamation within two days—stay engaged, monitor official election updates closely, and help ensure an orderly outcome for the region. — VDV, GMA News