THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) advised the public, particularly the first-time voters on May 9, to avoid taking “selfies” inside the polling precinct or face imprisonment.
Aside from selfies, the poll body also warned voters not take pictures of their ballots and its corresponding receipt.
Comelec Commissioner Atty. George Erwin Garcia said these acts are banned inside the voting center or they will face charges and their names included in the minutes of voting.
Garcia said one up to six years imprisonment faces those who commit an election offense.
He emphasized, however, that bringing of cellphones is allowed inside the polling precinct but appeals to the public not to take it out when they are about to vote and instead bring a short note that contains the names of the candidates they wish to vote for so they will not forget.
He said they know that first-time voters are all too excited to vote and may not be able to think anymore of acts forbidden inside the polling precinct and instead focus on their voting. However, voters should also need to understand that voting is a sacred process and should not be broadcasted in public in any manner such as through selfies and posting them on social media.