May 10, 2010 is obviously a most memorable day for some 25,000,000 Filipino voters, because for the first time, computerized balloting was conducted all over the country.

Since the night before, I was floating on air with excitement, looking forward to directly participating in the electoral process again.  I had missed out on the last two elections which coincided with my trips abroad. But I had re-registered in October 2010, and became quite active promoting responsible candidacy.

Horror stories:

• re the OFFICIAL BALLOT

In Room #15, where out polling precincts were clustered with one PCOS machine, the lighting was dim, and een when seated near the window, the daylight was diffused by the tall perimeter wall of the school, thus I had difficulty

• reading the maximum number of  candidates to be elected
• the boundaries of the oblongs beside each candidate was too light

• long lines under the heat of the sun. Fortunately,  the line leading to the  door of our precinct cluster had been formed in the shade of the covered courts extension room and extended to the covered walk. Yet, we missed the refreshing wind, and had continued to sweat.

• candidates for local positions, that is, for councilor of District 1 in Quezon City, set up tents right along and in front of the entrance to the polling center. One had a sign “Voter Assistance”, but did not even mind us when we approached. We eventually realized that they were talking only to their sure supporters, or those who were willing to sell their votes. They were also handing out sample ballots where the oblongs for their candidates were blacked out.

• yes, we did hear lots of stories in our voting center of offers to “not to vote” anymore in exchange for P500 or P1000. I guess this was to lessen the votes for their competitors.

In spite of minor horror stories, many voters have found the new election process basically positive replete with stories of good deeds and heartening sites at polling centers.

• Voters were unusually patient and cool in spite of the long lines.  Their justification is the fact that many more voters have turned out with interest for the new computerized form of voting.
• Enterprising citizens set up food and drink stalls in front of their homes along and near the entrance to the polling center/ school. We were able to purchase reasonably priced foodstuffs that helped fill our gnawing tummies over the lunch hour while keepingour place in the long queues.
• Two vendors somehow were able to sell their wares to the delight of the tired and hot voters. Who’d be able to resist cold water and maybe some nice cheesy ice cream.