Eleksyon 2025: Your vote counts, even with just 15% shading of circle

As the Philippines prepares for the upcoming midterm national and local elections in May 2025, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) clarified that votes will still be counted even if the circle beside a chosen candidate's name is not fully shaded.

This seeks to ensure that every vote counts, particularly for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. The Comelec's goal is to make the voting process more inclusive and accessible, especially for people with disabilities and the elderly who might find it difficult to mark their ballots perfectly.

Now that the poll body has lowered the requirement for shading the circle from a complete fill to just 15% of the circle, meaning, even if the circle next to the candidate's name is only partially shaded, the automated counting machine will still recognize it as a valid vote.

While the Comelec has relaxed its shading rule, the poll body still advises voters to completely shade the circle next to their chosen candidate's name to ensure that the vote is counted without any issues.

Moreover, voters should also be cautious about how many candidates they can vote for in each position.

For example, voters are only allowed to select up to 12 candidates for senator. Over-voting, or selecting more than 12, could result in the invalidation of your vote.

The nearly 70 million registered voters across the Philippines and abroad have the power to select the country's next leaders—and shape the nation's future. — VDV, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.