SUFFRAGE & ELECTORAL PROCESS
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE EXERCISE OF SUFFRAGE
Qualifications for the Exercise of Suffrage refer to the legal and constitutional
requirements a person must meet to be allowed to vote in political elections. These
qualifications vary by country, but most democracies follow a few common criteria.
In the Philippines, the qualifications for the exercise of suffrage (the right to
vote) are defined under the 1987 Philippine Constitution and relevant election laws
such as the Omnibus Election Code.
Here are the qualifications a person must meet to be allowed to vote:
1. Must be a Filipino Citizen
Only citizens of the Philippines are allowed to vote.
Natural-born or naturalized citizens can vote, as long as other qualifications are
met.
2. At Least 18 Years Old on or Before Election Day
The voter must be at least 18 years old on or before the day of the election.
3. Resident of the Philippines for at least One Year
The person must have been a resident of the Philippines for at least one (1)
year immediately before the election.
Resident of the Place Where They Intend to Vote for at least Six Months
The voter must be a resident of the city or municipality where they intend to
vote for at least six (6) months immediately preceding the election.
Registered with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)
The voter must be duly registered with the COMELEC and have a valid voter’s
ID or record.
Disqualifications (Who Cannot Vote)
Even if the above qualifications are met, a person cannot vote if they are:
1. Sentenced by final judgment to suffer imprisonment of not less than one year
(unless granted plenary pardon or amnesty).
2. Declared insane or incompetent by a competent authority.
3. Disqualified by law for committing election-related offenses.
For SK (Sangguniang Kabataan) Elections
Must be at least 15 years old but less than 30 years old, a Filipino citizen, and
a resident of the barangay for at least one year.
Must not be related to any elected barangay official within the second degree of
consanguinity or affinity.
EQUALITY AND FREEDOM OF SUFFRAGE.
Equality of Suffrage
Equality of suffrage means that every qualified citizen has one vote, and each
vote carries the same weight. There is no discrimination based on social status,
education, wealth, gender, ethnicity, or religion.
One person, one vote principle.
No privileged voters—everyone’s vote counts equally.
No one can be denied the right to vote based on wealth, literacy, or property
ownership.
Representation in government must reflect the equal will of the people.
Freedom of Suffrage
Freedom of suffrage ensures that citizens can vote freely and without coercion,
intimidation, or manipulation. It means the choice of candidates or political parties must
be voluntary and based on the voter's own judgment.
No one can be forced to vote for a certain candidate.
Voting is done by secret ballot to protect privacy.
Voters must be free from threats, bribery, or undue influence.
Citizens must have access to information to make informed choices.
Quiz 3 finals
Fundamentals of Political Science
Instruction: In a 1 whole sheet of yellow paper answer the following questions.
Submit until May 16, Friday at 5:00 pm.
1. What is suffrage?
2. At what age can a Filipino citizen vote for national election?
3. Which government body handles voter registration and elections in the
Philippines?
4. Is literacy a requirement to vote in the Philippines? Why?
5. How long must a Filipino be a resident of the Philippines before voting?
6. How long must a voter reside in a city or municipality before an election?
7. Can a person who is mentally incompetent vote? Why?
8. What principle means that every vote has the same value?
9. What principle protects voters from coercion or threats?
10. What document proves a person is a registered voter?
11. – 15. As a Filipino citizen what do you think are the importance of exercising the
right to suffrage?