Voting on May 12, 2025? Here’s a sneak peek at what your official ballot might look like—and how to fill it out properly.
Whether you’re a first-time voter or a returning one, understanding the COMELEC ballot layout ahead of time can make your voting experience smoother and faster.
Get to know the main sections of the sample ballot, how many candidates to choose for each position, and key tips for marking your vote correctly. Let’s break it down.
NOTE: Filipinos based overseas will be able to cast their vote only through the Online Voting procedures. There is no physical ballot to be used. Instead, the voting is done via internet procedure.
General Instructions
At the top of the ballot, you’ll find voting instructions in both English and Filipino.
Here’s what you need to remember:
- Use only the official marking pen provided at the polling place.
- Mark the circle next to your chosen candidate’s name.
- Do not exceed the allowed number of votes for each position.
Marking more than allowed could spoil your vote for that section—so check the limits carefully.
National Positions
Senators (Vote for up to 12)
The senatorial section is typically the longest.
Expect to see a list of more than 60 names, arranged in columns.
You are allowed to vote for up to 12 senators.
Voting for more than 12 will invalidate that section of your ballot.
Candidates represent various political parties or may be running independently.
Names appear with their party abbreviation next to them.
Party-List (Vote for 1)
On the back of the ballot, you’ll find the party-list section.
Here, you vote for one party-list group only.
Each group represents a specific sector or advocacy—like senior citizens, workers, farmers, or teachers.
There are over 150 party-list options, so take your time reading through.
You’ll see party names but not individual nominee names.
Local Positions
Member of the House of Representatives (Vote for 1)
This section lets you choose one district representative for Congress.
These candidates represent your local legislative district and are responsible for creating national laws and addressing local concerns in the House of Representatives.
Mayor and Vice Mayor (Vote for 1 each)
These two sections are side by side.
- Mayor: Vote for the person you want to lead the city.
- Vice Mayor: Vote for someone to assist and preside over the local council.
Each section has several candidates.
You can only choose one per position.
City Councilors (Vote for up to 6)
This section includes a long list of local councilor candidates.
You can select up to six names from the list.
City councilors help craft local ordinances, approve budgets, and represent your community in city-level decision-making.
Again, marking more than six will invalidate this part of your ballot.
Quick Look: Maximum Votes Per Position
| Position | Number to Vote |
| Senator | Up to 12 |
| Party-List | 1 |
| House Representative | 1 |
| Mayor | 1 |
| Vice Mayor | 1 |
| City Councilors | Up to 6 |
Keep these limits in mind to avoid any mistakes.
Sample Ballot
Tips Before Election Day
To make voting even smoother, here are some tips:
- Review the sample ballot early.
Familiarize yourself with how it’s laid out. - Make a list of your chosen candidates.
Bring this with you for quick reference. - Avoid overvoting.
Carefully count your selections in each section. - Ask for help from poll workers if you’re unsure about anything.
Don’t be afraid to clarify. - Double-check the back of your ballot for the party-list section.
Some voters forget this part!
What This Means for Voters
Knowing what the 2025 sample ballot looks like helps reduce stress and confusion on election day.
It empowers voters to make informed choices, avoid ballot mistakes, and fully participate in selecting leaders from the national down to the local level.
By understanding where each position is placed and how many votes are allowed, you also speed up the voting process—for yourself and others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I vote for fewer candidates than allowed?
Yes. You can vote for fewer candidates than the maximum allowed.
For example, you can vote for only 5 senators instead of 12.
Your votes will still be counted as long as you don’t go over the limit. - What happens if I don’t vote for a certain position?
That’s okay.
If you choose not to vote for a specific position (like mayor or party-list), that section will just be left blank and won’t affect the rest of your ballot. - Can I bring a list of my chosen candidates?
Yes, you can.
Feel free to write your choices on paper and bring it with you to avoid confusion inside the polling place.
Just make sure it’s for personal use and not shared with others. - What if I make a mistake on my ballot?
If you make an error (like shading the wrong circle), do not try to erase it.
Immediately inform the poll workers.
They can give you a replacement ballot—but only once, so be careful.
Conclusion
The ballot is your voice on paper.
Every section—national, local, and sectoral—matters.
So take a few minutes today to review the layout, reflect on your choices, and prepare to make your vote count this May 2025.