Concerned Netizen Shares Video of Poll Watcher Seen Shading Ballot for Elderly Voter
ELECTION 2025 – A concerned netizen shared a video online showing a poll watcher shading the ballot of an elderly voter during 2025 elections.
Recently, Joy Bernos, a Facebook user, shared a video of a poll watcher shading the ballot of a senior citizen voter during election day. The post quickly went viral and garnered various reactions from the online community.
In the video, several poll watchers are seen assisting elderly voters by shading their ballots inside the polling station. Bernos said she decided to upload the video because the ballot secrecy folders were not being used, and the watchers appeared to be directly influencing the voting process.
Bernos claimed to have already called the attention of the poll watchers, but they continued with their actions despite being told it was not allowed. Bernos also raised her concern that this may be a violation of COMELEC rules and urged authorities to look into it.
According to COMELEC guidelines, only a relative or a trusted companion approved by the voter and properly documented is allowed to assist in filling out a ballot. Even in cases of assisted voting, such as for senior citizens or persons with disabilities, poll watchers are not allowed to step in. Only authorized election staff or designated assistants may help.
The concerned netizen mentioned that an election officer scolded her for taking a video inside the polling place, as recording is generally prohibited during the voting process. Still, some social media users argued that the video serves as useful evidence to show what happened and should be considered when investigating the incident.
The incident emphasizes the importance of following proper election procedures and ensuring every voter’s right to a private and secure vote, especially for vulnerable individuals like the elderly.
The social media users expressed their reactions to the incident:
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