When voting in advance, make sure not to go to the wrong location and lose your voting rights. Many people mistakenly believe that "in-district advance voting" means voting anywhere within their own province or that prior registration is not necessary. We clearly summarize the differences between out-of-district and in-district voting, along with an essential checklist you need to know before entering the polling booth.
Summary of differences between “Out-of-District” and “In-District” advance voting.
Out-of-District Advance Voting
- Suitable for those who work or reside in a different province (address different from registered residence).
- Requires registration 30-45 days before the advance voting day.
- Vote at the province’s “central polling station,” such as the provincial auditorium.
- The ballot is sent to the district of the registered residence (counted at your hometown).
In-District Advance Voting
- Suitable for those living at their registered address but who are busy on the actual election day.
- Requires registration and submission of a valid reason to the Election Commission (EC).
- Vote at the EC-designated “central polling station in the district,” not the usual local polling station near your home.
- The ballot is sent to the district where you are registered (counted in that district).
3 Common Misunderstandings That Cause People to Lose Their Voting Rights.
1. Belief that “In-District” means voting at the usual polling station every year.
- Incorrect: For in-district advance voting, the EC designates only 1-2 locations per district, such as the district office or administrative office. You cannot vote at your usual neighborhood polling station as on the actual election day.
2. Belief that registering once is valid forever.
- Incorrect: Advance voting registration is valid only for each election. For every new election, you must register again via the Smart Vote app or the EC website.
3. Belief that after voting in advance, you can still change your mind and vote on the actual election day.
- Incorrect: Once your advance voting registration is successful, your name is immediately removed from the list for the actual election day. If you do not vote on the advance voting day, you lose the right to vote on the actual day and must notify the EC of your absence to avoid political rights restrictions.
