My wife and I had just cast our votes. We planned to go to the polling precinct at 7AM but we woke up a little bit late thus we reached our destination only before 8AM. Since we had already verified our registration online, we knew beforehand our precinct number, hence we thought we could finish voting in less than 15 minutes.
However, when we arrived at the polling place, we were surprised, yet happy, to see the queue of voters. Unlike last elections, there was no long lines around that time. This time it was different as if voters unanimously decided to go to the precinct early Perhaps, voters were excited about the new automated counting system that motivated them to go out early to cast their votes. Or maybe, since it's the first time we're having this new system, it takes quite some time before a voter finishes filling up the ballot. On our part, it took us more than one hour from the time we lined up until the time we exited the polling place.
I'm pretty much sure that the turnout this year will be higher than the previous elections and I hope that this trend continues in future elections. This is a sign that Filipino voters, particularly those who have not exercised their right before, are starting to recognize the power of suffrage and the importance of participating in the electoral process.
I am also sure that everyone cannot wait to know the results. The waiting time will not be that long and agonizing unlike before. Whoever it is who wins, provided no cheating is committed in whatever form, should be magnanimously accepted by the electorates and losing candidates. And I pray that the rumors of the planned cheating by whoever are planning it are just really rumors.
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