Since technology is rising and truly influencing lots of countries, it is just great to know that Philippines will about to experience an automated election. Tomorrow will be the day and for sure that many Filipinos are waiting for this modern way of choosing leaders. If before, we need to write names of our desired candidates on our ballot, now, we just need to choose and shade circle right before your candidate’s name. It is made easier but not all people are excited in using it. There is speculation such as failure of election. Some candidates are also not confident in the use of this automated system but of course, they need to face the truth that tomorrow will be the day!

In order to make voting easy for you with the use of PCOS machine or Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) for automated election, here are how-to’s:

Bring your voter’s id or any identification together with your registration stub. Upon arriving at your   precinct, check your name on the voters list and secure a ballot from the Board of Election Inspector (BEI), they are there to assist you.

When the ballot is received, make sure that it is unmarked. Unlike previous elections, the ballots for the automated elections only need to be shaded. Shade your votes properly.

After completing your vote, feed the ballot to the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS). The machine will validate your ballot and you will receive a confirmation message on the machines’ screen. Your vote has been casted.

Tips and reminders:

Secure a list of your votes or a kodigo. This makes it easier for you to cast your votes and to avoid mistakes. Always remember that you are only entitled to one ballot.

“Touch move.” Be careful in shading the ovals next to the candidates’ names. The machine will reject any item that is not shaded properly or filled out with anything aside from a shade.

Over voting is strictly not allowed. Voting for two candidates in a position that only requires one vote is not allowed. The machine would reject that item and would move on to counting the next item.

Well, just a piece of advice for tomorrow, VOTE WISELY!