As the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections approach, voters must know what to expect on election day—not just when to cast their vote, but also how the ballots are counted and how results are transmitted.
COMELEC, along with election officers across the country, follows a strict timeline to ensure the process is fair, orderly, and transparent from start to finish.
Voting Schedule on Election Day
On May 12, 2025, all official polling places across the country will open and close at the same time:
- Opening of Polls: 6:00 a.m.
- Closing of Polls: 7:00 p.m.
This 13-hour period gives every registered voter enough time to participate.
However, voters already in line by 7:00 p.m. will still be allowed to vote, even if actual voting goes past the official closing time. This rule ensures that no voter is turned away unjustly.
Priority Voting for Vulnerable Sectors
COMELEC gives special attention to persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and pregnant women through the Voter’s Assistance Desk and priority lanes.
Here’s how they’re assisted:
- Senior Citizens
- Can skip the regular line at polling precincts.
- May request assistance if needed when filling out the ballot.
- Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
- May be provided with assistive devices, including braille templates and wheelchairs.
- Can bring a companion for assistance (must declare this to the Board of Election Inspectors).
- Pregnant Women
- Allowed to use the priority lane.
- May be seated or rested while waiting for their turn to vote.
Polling places are required to be accessible, with signage and support staff available to assist these voters. Some voters may also be assigned to Emergency Accessible Polling Places (EAPPs) if needed.
To ensure you’re in the right precinct and assigned polling place, you can verify your voter information via the COMELEC precinct finder.
How the Voting Process Works
Once you arrive at your polling place:
- Approach the Voter’s Assistance Desk to check your name and precinct number.
- Proceed to your assigned room where the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) will verify your identity.
- Receive your official ballot, ballot secrecy folder, and marking pen.
- Go to a voting booth and completely shade the ovals beside your chosen candidates.
- Feed your accomplished ballot into the Automated Counting Machine (ACM).
- Wait for the voter verification screen to confirm your vote.
- Receive your voter’s receipt and drop it in the designated box.
That’s it—your vote is cast!
What Happens After Voting Ends?
Once voting closes at 7:00 p.m., the work of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) and the Automated Counting Machine (ACM) begins.
Step 1: Closing the Polls
- The ACM is instructed to stop accepting ballots.
- The machine automatically generates eight copies of the election returns (ERs) showing the total votes for each candidate in that precinct.
These ERs are printed on thermal paper and signed by the BEI and watchers present.
Step 2: Electronic Transmission of Results
After the ERs are printed, the ACM automatically:
- Transmits results electronically to:
- The Municipal or City Board of Canvassers
- The COMELEC central server
- The Transparency Server (used by media and watchdog groups)
This process ensures that results are sent quickly and securely from each precinct to the national system.
COMELEC often performs a final transmission test days before the election to verify that all polling places can transmit results successfully.
Step 3: Ballot Box Sealing and Turnover
After electronic transmission:
- All ballots and printed election returns are placed inside the ballot box.
- The ballot box is sealed and signed by the BEI and watchers.
- These are physically transported to the local Board of Canvassers, which consolidates results for the area.
In some cases, watchers and media representatives may accompany the transport to ensure transparency.
Step 4: Canvassing and Proclamation
- At the Municipal/City level, votes are canvassed for mayors, vice mayors, councilors, and district positions.
- At the provincial level, votes for governors and board members are counted.
- National-level positions (senators and party-list groups) are transmitted to the National Board of Canvassers, often located at the PICC or a COMELEC-designated national venue.
Winners may be proclaimed within hours or days, depending on the completeness and speed of the transmissions.
Transparency Measures on Election Night
To promote public trust in the counting process:
- Accredited poll watchers from political parties, citizens’ arms (like NAMFREL or PPCRV), and media are allowed inside polling places and canvassing centers.
- The Transparency Server receives data in real time and is monitored by the public and media.
- Random Manual Audits are also conducted in selected precincts to confirm that machine counts match physical ballots.
These measures help prevent fraud and reassure the public that the process is fair and accurate.
COMELEC’s Reminders to Voters
To help ensure a smooth and stress-free voting experience, COMELEC reminds all voters:
- Know your precinct and bring valid ID.
- Avoid bringing campaign materials—campaigning is prohibited on election day.
- Follow COVID-19 or health safety protocols, if any are still in place.
- Report any irregularities or voter intimidation to COMELEC field officers or citizen watchdog groups.
For more information about what’s allowed and not allowed during election season, check out COMELEC Resolution No. 11056: Key Rules for the 2025 Elections.
Conclusion
Understanding what happens on election day—from casting your vote to how results are counted—helps make you an empowered, informed voter.
COMELEC’s streamlined process, assisted voting rules, and use of technology through the ACM all aim to protect your right to vote fairly, safely, and confidently.
So on May 12, 2025, show up early, follow instructions, and trust that your vote matters—from the ballot box to the final transmission.