5 Things to Remember Before You Vote

Words by Andrea Ebdane, Rachel Ogsimer, and Bianca Roque

Art by Andrea Ebdane and Rachel Ogsimer

The 2022 National Elections are fast approaching. The experiences we’ve had over more than one and a half years of lockdown are key to determining which leaders can pull us forward, through, and hopefully out of the continuing pandemic.

And with less than a year before the elections, it’s imperative to remember that the most important thing isn’t just that we vote — it’s that we should know who we are voting for and why.

With that in mind, here are five quotes from COMELEC’s James Jimenez about the how’s and why’s of voting:

1. The youth dictate the future.

“Youth, age from 18-35, account for about 51% of the voting population, which means the young people already outnumber the older people.

That’s a very good development because you guys can change the shape of government. You have it in your power, as a voting block, to dictate the shape of the future government, which means kayo ang pipili ng mga leader natin.”

2. Voting amplifies our voices.

“Vote. get off your asses and vote! (...) The most effective shouting you can do is through your ballot. Because your ballot goes straight to the heart of the matter.”

3. Choose the leaders whose advocacies reflect yours.

“Find the person that you believe in, find the person whose plans you agree with, find the person whose core values align with yours, and support them.

It’s very important because as a voter, you have a claim on that person.”

4. Engage in important political discussions.

“If you have an opinion, share it. Let others gain the benefit of your insight and encourage them to vote as well.

Parang ang pointless lang kung ikaw lang yung sasanto-santo diyan, ikaw lang ang magaling at civically responsible, at yung mga kasama mo pinapabayaan mong mag [Mobile Legends] lang or whatever.

If you find a candidate that you truly believe in, that you think would be a boon to the country, help them win.”

5. We must hold our leaders accountable.

“Make sure they remember why you voted for them. Make noise, make sure everyone knows who you voted for, why you voted for them, whether they’re living up to your expectations or disappointing you incredibly bad.”

Want to learn more about voter’s registration and the 2022 election process? Check out We Champion’s first and only podcast of the semester entitled, UPTAKE: A Situationer on the 2022 National Elections, featuring COMELEC’s James Jimenez.