*photo credits: gmanews.tv

1. The ballot is very sensitive to marks, ink, H20, stains, scratches, folds, sweat, etc. so, keep your hands very clean before voting. The “Ballot Secrecy Folder”lessens the actual handling of the ballot with your hands.

2. Shade the egg-shaped hole beside your chosen candidate fully (you will be provided with a marker). Don’t check, line, X, dot, or half-shade it, because the PCOS Unit will not read it. Try not to go beyond the lines.

3. There is a barcode going around the ballot. If this is marked, even scratched, in any way, the ballot will be spoiled. He said that if anyone else handles the ballot, watch them well, in case they intentionally scratch the barcode with a fingernail to prevent your ballot from being counted.

4. You will have four tries to put your ballot through the PCOS Unit. You can put it in forward, backward, front side up, back side up, whichever, but only four tries.

5. You will get one chance to have your ballot changed.When they first hand it to you. Inspect it right away. If you see any folds, scratches, or marks, you can ask for a new one.

6. Bring a list of your chosen candidates on a piece of paper.

7. Watch the readout on the PCOS Unit when you insert your ballot. If successful, it’ll read, “Congratulations! Your ballot has been scanned.” If not, it will say why (improper shading, etc.) Get that “Congratulations” message before leaving to make sure your vote is counted.

8. Bring an ID to present to the BEI (Board of Elections Inspector).

9. The ballot you are given will only be readable by one specific PCOS Unit. In other words, only one machine will be able to read your ballot, because it’s pre-registered there, so when you’re ready, line up at the proper machine. Don’t line up at the wrong machine; your ballot won’t be read, and it may spoil your vote.

10. Polls open on May 10, 2010, at 7 a.m. and end at 6 p.m.