Thomasians are known for their "roar" during UAAP competitions and extracurricular activities. Now is the time for them to show their ‘veritas in caritate’ at the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE) this Monday, Oct. 30.

Following the postponement in December, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. eventually scheduled the barangay and sangguniang kabataan polls for the last Monday of October 2023 through Republic Act 11935.

The future of local communities all around the country will be decided by the approximately 93 million voters, as counted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), who have registered to cast their votes tomorrow.

The BSKE was supposed to occur last May 2020, as barangay and youth leaders have three years to fill their duties. Due to its postponement, it was moved in December 2022 as per former president Rodrigo Duterte’s RA 11462.

The last BSKE was held last May 2018, resulting in incumbent officials taking five years in office.

What to know about BSKE

Marcos Jr. issued Presidential Decree 359, suspending classes and work in the country so citizens could participate in the elections on Oct. 30.

In the barangay polls, voters may vote for one Barangay Captain or Punong Barangay and seven Sangguniang Barangay (SB) members. While Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) election voters may select one Chairperson and seven members of SK.

Voters may write a list of officials to vote for (kodigo) for their reference and to avoid erasures. Kodigos must be disposed of after voting.

The voting will begin at 7:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. at different designated local voting precincts. Persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and pregnant women will cast their votes at the Emergency Accessible Polling Place (EAPP). They will be given six hours to vote, from 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Comelec expects a minimum voting turnout of 75 percent, up from 71.2 percent or 40.89 million voters in May 2018.

Step-by-step guide

Here is a step-by-step procedure for voting in the Barangay and SK elections from the Comelec:

Step 1: Find your precinct number and sequence number on the voters' list. As you enter the polling precinct, approach the Electoral Board (EB) and state your name, precinct, and sequence number.

Step 2: Ensure you get the appropriate ballot.

• One SK ballot will be given to voters ages 15-17 years old.
• One SK ballot and one barangay ballot for voters ages 18-30.
• One barangay ballot for ages 31 and above.

Step 3: Sign the Election Day Computerized Voters List (EDCVL).

Step 4: Fill out the ballot spaces by writing the names of your desired candidates. You may use the ballot secrecy folder to prevent others from seeing your ballot.

Step 5: Fold the ballot again after filling it up and return it to the EB. (Note: Voters must not remove the detachable coupon. Taking photos of the accomplished ballot is also strictly prohibited.)

Step 6: Input a thumb mark on the space provided on the ballot coupon.

Step 7: Your right forefinger nail will be stained with a drop of permanent ink as proof that you cast your vote.

Step 8: After removing the ballot coupon, watch the EB place the ballot and coupon inside the appropriate ballot box compartments.