The coming May 14 elections is an important event in Philippine politics. It is therefore the duty of every Filipino voter to exercise their right of suffrage intelligently. Below are suggested tips to consider in preparing for this major event.

Prior to the Elections

• Stop, Look and Listen
  With the political ad ban lifted, expect every candidate to make use of every medium possible for their campaign. Newspapers, television and radio programs will be flooded with campaign advertisements of every nature. Find time each day to know the candidates.
  
  Read their credentials - Are they academically equipped? Are they properly trained for the positions they aspire for? Check their background.
  Know their program of actions - Do they cater to your needs? Are their programs geared to improve the way of life of the citizens?
  Know their principles - Do they adhere to yours? Do they have the integrity to become public servants?
  
  Watch television programs, particularly those that deal with politics, to know more about the candidates. Observe how they answer questions and how they conduct themselves especially during debates. Have second thoughts on candidates who cannot handle their temper especially during debates. Candidates who can easily respond to questions are those who know what they are entering into and the responsibilities that go with the position they aspire for.

• Make a list
  As you examine the candidates, make a list of those who you think is worthy of your vote. There are so many candidates as there are positions to aspire for. It is difficult to remember each one's credentials. Jot down notes to help you recall their platform and what made you consider them.
  
  As the election day approaches, trim down your list. And make sure that you have made up your mind before going to the voting center. Expect a heavy turn out of voters this coming elections. Be considerate. You would not want them to wait till you finished voting as much as you do not want to wait yourself. Refrain from staying in voting polls too long.

• Know your voting center
  If possible, visit your voting center on the day before the elections. Most voting polls have the list of the voters posted on the afternoon of May 13. This way, you would not have to spend too much time looking for your voting center.
  

On Election Day

• Voting Hours : Bear in mind that you are allowed to vote only from 8:00 am to 3:00 in the afternoon. Do not be one of those who have this bad habit of going to the poll center only few minutes before it closes.
• Bring an ID - There have been cases when the election official would ask for identification cards, especially in areas where flying voters are rampant. Have one with your address and photo in it, just in case.
• Bring your List - Make sure that you have the list you prepared with you before leaving your house. You would not want to waste all the preparations you have made by leaving your list at home.
• Do not bring children - Children do not vote, why bring them with you? There are already too many voters flocking in poll centers and the danger of children getting lost is not far fetched. It is better leave the children at home.
• Help in cleaning up - As candidates will still be campaigning until the last minute with the distribution of sample ballots bearing their names, it is expected that voting centers will again be filled with papers all over, as it has been in the past elections. Do not add to the litter. If you do not have any use for these sample ballots (as you have your list with you already), throw these leaflets in garbage cans located in the polling places. Better yet, bring them home and dispose of them properly.
• Stay away from trouble - Heated arguments among voters and supporters have been happening in the past. And even with the liquor ban, some even find a way to get intoxicated. Refrain from this kind of debate. We all want to have a peaceful election. Do your part.
• Remain vigilant - After voting, remain vigilant. Keep posted with the goings-on in different places as well as during the counting of ballots. Do not hesitate to report any irregularities in the conduct of the elections or instances of vote buying.