Eager voters flocked to Fortune Elementary School in Marikina City on Election Day, May 9, where around 20,853 individuals are expected to cast their ballots.
Santan Street was closed to vehicles as long lines began forming outside the school as early as 5 a.m.
Adults voters were seen huddled at the entrance of the gate, with some senior citizens were seen in front of the lines.
There were no priority lanes seen for senior citizens.
At exactly 6 a.m. when the gates opened, voters assembled at the covered court to check their respective polling precincts.
Some people who bypassed the temperature check at the entrance were reprimanded.
A poll watcher was seen reminding people to have their temperature checked before entering the court.
Bulletin boards bearing the precinct numbers of voters are displayed in the area.
A voter's assistance desk has been set up.
Days prior to election day, Marikina City residents were sent sample ballots with their names, polling precinct, and precinct numbers to their homes.
There were two separate classrooms used for the voting area and the waiting area. Only 10 people at a time were allowed in the voting areas itself, while 25 were in the waiting area. Long lines were observed in front of the classrooms.
Shirley Ann Hernandez, principal of Fortune Elementary School, said that around 100 teachers are on election duty, with three to four per cluster.
She said the testing of the vote counting machines (VCMs) ran smoothly except for one VCM that involved the alignment of the paper during testing. This issue was immediately resolved.
Voters were also reminded to observe the health protocols as some were seen not wearing their face masks properly.
Hernandez reminded the voters that sample ballots and taking photos of the ballots are not allowed inside the voting area.