As an observant citizen, these are just few of the probable signs of disorganization and being unprepared of the Comelec and the entire nation to hold the electoral process. At least, my point of view is coming from my voting experience in my respective precinct.

1. The very basic ID

I don't know why until now I still don't have my voter's ID. For the sake of using it on Election Day, I've been bugging the people in our barangay about it, but it seems that they could not at least answer my request immediately.

In lieu, of the voter's ID, I brought a different ID. But to my surprise, they didn't even ask for it.

No wonder flying voters lurk around.

2. No routine

I observed my mother first because she was before me. They let you sign your name on a list. They look for your name from the official master list. You sign and put your thumb mark on that list. They will look for the official registration file. You have to sign it again with your thumb print. They will give you the ballot which you also have to put your thumb mark first. Then, BEFORE going to the voting seat, you have to let them put indelible ink to your right forefinger.

That's with my mom, at least.

When it was my turn, I was given the ink AFTER I voted. They even laughed about forgetting to give me the ink.

At least, this is what's going on in our precinct. I'm not sure about the routine of others.

3. Last minute campaign

It is one of the election laws that a candidate or any of his/her representative and supporter should no longer campaign or give out flyers and sample ballots within 30 meter radius from the polling area.

While my mom and I were heading to the entrance, there were these young boys who were around 10-15 years old (not of voting age) who kept handing us flyers and other printed materials of their candidates.

A lot of people were around. Even the barangay officials were around. No one bothered to take notice of it and did necessary action.

4. Volunteers?

Sure, a lot of people were crowded in the polling area. But you can distinguish the people in charge of the monitoring of elections as you can observe them wearing big laminated ID's. They kept circling around, talking while huddled together, or even eating packed lunch.

However, I did not observe that they were keen in observing what's happening around. They should be watchful of the voting process, especially the voters and the ballot box.

While at the voting booth, I looked around. Surprise! Not a single eye met mine.

I wonder if they really check people bringing cellphones around.

5. Joselito Cayetano

I was very shocked when I saw 2 Cayetano's on the senatorial list. Although, I didn't vote for either, I was worried about what's going on. When I turned on the news, I was more worried when some precincts manually deleted Joselito Cayetano's name from their list when it was reported that Benjamin Abalos allowed his candidacy since Friday. Now, all votes with only the name "Cayetano" will be considered a stray vote. Where have all the 95% readiness figure gone?

I actually have a longer list than this. But most of them are being reported on TV at the moment. In the end, it's the same electoral process. It's just really frustrating knowing that my one vote may not at all make a difference.

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