Vaccine cards, negative RT-PCR tests not required at polling places —Comelec

It is not mandatory for voters to present a COVID-19 vaccination card and negative result of an RT-PCR or antigen test before voting for the May 9, 2022 elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Monday.

In a Super Radyo dzBB interview, poll commissioner George Garcia said the only thing that registered voters need to bring is their face masks, and that even wearing of face shields is not required in polling precincts.

He also advised voters to immediately go home after voting and no longer loiter around the polling place or schools as there are still risks of COVID-19 infections in the country.

“‘Wag ninyo pong i-underestimate ‘yung protocol ng Comelec. Syempre po maghihigpit ngayon ang Comelec at baka after ninyong bumoto ay kayo ay palalabasin na para kayo’y makauwi na. Hindi na kayo pwedeng magpatambay tambay sa loob at magkwentuhan kung sino ang pinagboboboto ninyo at hindi ninyo binoto,” he added.

(Do not underestimate the Comelec’s protocols. Of course, the Comelec will tighten its restrictions now and maybe after you vote, you will be asked to go home. You can no longer hang around inside the precinct and talk about who you voted and not voted for.)

Garcia also reiterated that voters with COVID-19 are still allowed to vote and isolation polling places will be set up for those who will show COVID-19 symptoms during election day.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier reminded the voters to comply with the minimum public health standards in polling places on Election Day to prevent another COVID-19 surge in the country, considering the separate warnings of the DOH and OCTA Research of a possible increase in infections.

In a separate ANC interview, Garcia said that while mobile phones are not prohibited inside polling precincts, voters are highly encouraged not to use them as they may be called out and receive complaints from election watchdogs.

READ: Protocols for voters on Election Day

“Outside, pagkatapos [bumoto] pwede mong ipakita na you are inked (you could show off your finger that was inked). While inside, let’s refrain because that’s a formal thing that is happening. There are several rules and regulations inside,” he added.—AOL, GMA News