If you ever think that just one vote in a sea of millions cannot make much of a difference, you are

mistaken. It is your civic duty to vote, it is how each voice can be heard. It is when you are given the
right to decide and have your future secured. Today, people should understand that being able to vote is
NOT a privilege, it is a right; an inherent right, and a basic human right, along with 'the right to live, 'the
right to education, and so on. No one should and can take away these rights from you.

The Voting Rights Act is a historic civil rights law. This act was signed into law in 1965. It was signed in
the U.S. by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The reason behind this act is the civil war. Racial discrimination
in voting in America. It outlawed many white supremacists' strategies. That had been used to
disfranchise black citizens to the registration of new voters in America. But here in the Philippines, there
is no racial discrimination in voting. Article V of our 1987 Constitution provides that suffrage – the right
to vote – may be exercised by all citizens of the Philippines not otherwise disqualified by law, who are at
least eighteen years of age, and who shall have resided: in the Philippines for at least one year; and in
the place wherein they propose to vote for at least six months immediately preceding the day of the
election. To vote in the Philippines, you must be a registered voter. You can register to vote at the
Commission on Elections (COMELEC) office in your city or municipality. You will need to bring two valid
forms of identification, such as a passport or driver's license. Once you are registered, you will be given a
voter's certification. Filipinos go to the polls on May 9th to elect a new leader and government. This
could be a moment for positive change, or a continuation of well-documented human rights violations.
Every human being has a fundamental right to vote, this applies to every citizen of the Philippines. It is
critical that everyone eligible to vote can participate for their voices to be heard and their concerns to
be addressed. It is by far witnessed by everyone how the voting system in the Philippines is a mess,
some situations are very concerning. Red-tagging, the practice of criminalizing and stigmatizing dissent,
has intensified, including the red-tagging of internationalists. Excessive and lavish spending during
elections. Black propaganda, mud-slinging, and other dirty tactics discredit political opponents. A politics
focused on personalities and not on genuine platforms of government. Lack of strong enabling laws to
curb political dynasties, nepotism, political opportunism, cronyism, and the like. Amidst all, it is in our
hands, let us define the change we want, and elect candidates who will bring those aspirations for
change to reality. We have the power to vote for servant-leaders who put in their agenda the change
that we want to see in our society. We, the people, should be reminded of our power. We should keep
in mind that if this government was not by the people and for the people, it would perish.

The right to take part in the conduct of public affairs. No racial discrimination among people. The right to
vote and to stand for election is at the core of democratic governments. Based on the will of the people,
genuine elections are a necessary and fundamental component of an environment that protects and
promotes Voting rights. We shall keep in mind that every citizen has the right and opportunity to vote,
without distinction of any kind and unreasonable restrictions.