The 2025 Philippine elections allow you to make your voice heard and shape the country’s future. Make your vote count! This guide will help you prepare for election day, covering everything from checking your requirements to choosing candidates that align with your values.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) deactivated around 4.2 million registered voters last year for failing to vote in the last two consecutive regular elections.

If you missed these elections, you may now be marked as an inactive voter. You might also be in a different voting precinct due to a change of address or administrative updates from COMELEC. 

To avoid the hassle of waiting in line only to discover your name isn’t on the list, check your registration status in advance! Just follow these steps.

1. Visit the COMELEC Precinct Finder website.
2. Enter your name, then select the place where you registered from the drop-down list. 
3. Click “Proceed.” You’ll get a confirmation page with your details, including your name, polling place, and precinct number.
4. If you can’t find your name, email [email protected] or visit your local COMELEC office. You can also call these hotlines: (028) 527 1896, (028) 527 4431, (028) 527 7769, or (028) 527 9365.

Election officials are very strict about IDs to prevent voting fraud.

A valid ID should have your full name and photo and shouldn’t be damaged or difficult to read. Prepare at least one of these government-issued IDs:

• Passport
• Driver’s License
• SSS or GSIS
• PhilSys (National ID)
• Postal ID
• Voter’s ID
• Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
• Student ID (for student voters, along with a school-issued certification if necessary)
• Senior Citizen Card

If you don’t have a valid ID or it's about to expire, check these guides on how to apply for or renew your National ID, driver’s license, and passport.

Most people need to vote in person at their assigned precinct. However, COMELEC has special options for persons with disabilities or those living abroad.

Senior citizens, PWDs (persons with disabilities), and heavily pregnant women can vote between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. before the polls open for the general population.

You can still vote during regular hours. Ask the election volunteer to lead you to the designated Accessible Polling Place (APP), typically located on the ground floor.

OFWs have a longer election voting period of 30 days and several voting options. Contact the Philippine embassy to confirm your host country’s specific dates and procedures.

• In-Person Voting: Head to the Philippine embassy, consulate, or designated voting center.
• Mail-In Voting: In some countries, you can receive a voting packet by mail, fill out your ballot, and send it back.
• Online Voting: Starting in 2025, COMELEC will enable online voting in some countries. 

Voting responsibly means understanding who and what you’re voting for. Here’s how to stay informed during the campaign period without feeling overwhelmed.

• View the candidate platforms. Check the COMELEC Facebook page, Vote Pilipinas, and news sites like Rappler, Inquirer, and ABS-CBN. Many candidates also post details directly on their social media pages. For a full list of election news, head to Namfrel’s website.
• Identify issues that are important to you. List topics you care about—whether it’s education, healthcare, or jobs. Then, research the candidates’ stance or how they previously voted on related bills. 
• Use Google News and Apple News. These aggregate articles from credible sources, so you get balanced views on election issues. Just select a keyword like “Philippine elections” or names of candidates and click the “Follow” button. 
• Set up alerts. Enable push notifications from news outlets or follow hashtags like #PHVote2025. You stay on top of election updates without scrolling for hours. 
• Follow debates and commentaries. Look for shows or podcasts that invite experts and tackle key issues. 

Voter registration for the May 2025 national elections closed on September 30, 2024. If you missed the deadline, you’ll need to wait for the next registration period. 

However, you can still get involved! Volunteer for these organizations to support fair and peaceful elections.

• COMELEC: Volunteers assist voters, watch polls, or provide logistical support. Contact your local COMELEC office for details.
• National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL): Volunteers participate in voter education campaigns, observe polls, and help with quick counts. Sign up through the volunteer registration page. 
• Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV): Volunteers observe voting and ballot counting to ensure they follow election rules. They also encode election returns for parallel counts. To join, visit your local parish or follow PPCRV’s Facebook for recruitment updates.

Voting is more than just a civic duty—it’s your chance to create real change. So, check your registration status, apply for ID renewal, follow the news, and research issues and candidates. 

By following these steps and using online resources, you’ll be ready for the 2025 Philippine elections. Remember to choose a strong internet plan that meets your needs. Enjoy the stability and convenience of a monthly subscription with GFiber Postpaid, or opt for the flexibility of GFiber Prepaid, which allows you to pay only for the data you need. With the right tools and information, you’ll be fully prepared to make a meaningful vote.