Female Voter Expresses Dismay After Receiving Pre-Shaded Ballot in Camarines Sur
A female voter in Calabanga, Camarines Sur, expressed her concern after receiving a ballot that was already marked with votes for certain candidates.
On Monday, May 12, 2025, Maria Theresa Bonot, a Facebook user discovered a pre-shaded ballot in Camarines Sur. The incident happened at Precinct 131A of Ratay Elementary School during the early hours of voting.
Bonot, a resident of Barangay Ratay, noticed that her ballot had already been shaded for a gubernatorial candidate, a senatorial candidate, and several barangay officials before she even started voting.
Maria immediately called the attention of the election staff and requested a replacement ballot.
The female voter shared the incident on social media, warning other voters to carefully check their ballots before proceeding. She emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of each vote and expressed worry that the issue might not be limited to her area.
The concerned netizen urged voters to be alert and report anything suspicious. The pre-shaded ballot raised serious concerns about possible irregularities in the election process. Bonot believes that voters must be cautious, especially in situations where voting machines or ballot handling could be compromised.
Election staff at the precinct were alerted and replaced her ballot after the complaint. However, questions remain about how a pre-marked ballot ended up being distributed, and whether similar cases have occurred elsewhere.
Voters are reminded to examine their ballots carefully and immediately report any issues to polling officers or the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
As of this writing, no official statement has been released regarding the incident, but concerned citizens hope that proper investigations will follow to ensure a clean and honest election.
Here is the full post:
“To all Facebook users, in Ratay Sta. Cruz, Calabanga, Camarines Sur in Precent 131A, ballots are already printed the name of Magtoto in it. I think this is not true only in Calabanga but through the entire country.
Voters please read & see your ballot before sign in. Our votes are our sovereign rights.
Protect ourselves from scrupulous Comelec officials who will ruin of soverieng rights.”
The social media users expressed their reactions to the post:
