I. Introduction

During election day in the Philippines, one of the most common yet confusing issues a voter may encounter is finding their name highlighted on the official Computerized Voters’ List (CVL) or Election Day Computerized Voters’ List (EDCVL) at their precinct. This situation can cause anxiety or suspicion that one’s right to vote might be at risk. However, highlighting does not automatically disqualify a voter. Understanding the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) rules, precinct procedures, and available remedies is key to asserting one’s right to suffrage.

II. What the Highlighting Means

The highlighting of a voter’s name in the EDCVL is an administrative marking used by the Electoral Board (EB) or election personnel to identify specific statuses or actions related to that voter. It is not an indication of ineligibility, unless supported by official records. Highlighting may be done:

To mark voters who have already cast their ballots (during ongoing voting);
To identify voters subject to verification (such as those who may have been listed for biometric validation, or flagged for multiple registration);
To denote inclusion in a precinct-level annotation — for instance, if COMELEC records show the voter was transferred, deactivated, or suspended pending confirmation.

In other words, the highlighting serves as an internal control mechanism for election officials — not as a final disqualification mark.

III. Legal Basis and Precinct Procedures

A. COMELEC General Instructions (GIs)

COMELEC’s General Instructions for the Electoral Board (EB)—such as those issued for national and local elections—outline procedures when a voter’s name is found highlighted, annotated, or missing from the list. According to these instructions:

The EB must verify the voter’s identity using:
- The Voter’s ID or any valid government-issued ID;
- The voter’s biometrics if a Voter’s Registration Verification Machine (VRVM) is available;
- The Election Day Computerized Voters’ List (EDCVL) signature and photograph, if printed.

If the voter’s identity is confirmed, the EB must allow the person to vote, even if the name is highlighted, unless the voter is explicitly marked as deactivated, transferred, or disqualified per COMELEC resolution.

B. COMELEC Resolutions and the Omnibus Election Code

Under Section 9, Rule 25 of the COMELEC Rules of Procedure, and Sections 11–13 of the Omnibus Election Code, the right to vote may only be denied if there is a final order of disqualification, or if the voter is not in the certified list of voters (CLV) for that precinct. Highlighting alone does not constitute such exclusion.

Furthermore, COMELEC Resolution No. 10732 (or similar resolutions for each electoral cycle) emphasizes that the EB cannot disqualify a voter on its own initiative; it must rely on official COMELEC certifications.

IV. Common Reasons for Highlighted Names

Inactive or Deactivated Registration The voter may have failed to vote in the last two regular elections, resulting in automatic deactivation. The name might remain highlighted for reference.
Pending Transfer or Correction The voter may have applied for transfer or correction of records, and the update had not yet been reflected at the precinct level.
Precinct Clustering Adjustments COMELEC’s precinct clustering system may have caused temporary duplication or flagging of names for administrative reconciliation.
Security or Audit Reasons Some precincts highlight names during mock or final testing to prevent multiple voting.

V. What to Do If Your Name Is Highlighted

Step 1: Verify Your Identity

Approach the Electoral Board and present a valid ID. The EB will check your name, signature, and photo in the EDCVL or VRVM.

Step 2: Ask for Explanation

Politely ask the EB what the highlighting means. Record their explanation, if possible. Usually, it is an internal mark and not a bar to voting.

Step 3: Insist on Your Right to Vote

If the EB hesitates, cite your right under Article V, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution and the Omnibus Election Code. State that you are in the certified voters’ list and have presented valid identification.

Step 4: Request Assistance from the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) Chairperson

The Chairperson has authority to resolve immediate precinct-level questions, subject to later review by COMELEC. If necessary, ask to have your situation recorded in the minutes of voting.

Step 5: File a Voter’s Complaint or Affidavit

If you are denied the chance to vote despite being listed, proceed to your Municipal or City COMELEC office and file a written complaint or affidavit of denial of voting, attaching your identification and details. This document preserves your record for investigation and future elections.

VI. Remedies and Post-Election Actions

If you believe your right to vote was unjustly denied:

File an Affidavit of Disenfranchisement before the Election Officer (EO) or COMELEC Law Department within five (5) days from the election.
Attach evidence — voter’s ID, photograph of the list, witness statements, or an EB note.
Request reactivation or correction of registration for the next electoral cycle.
In cases of malicious refusal by election officials, file an administrative or criminal complaint under Section 261(y) of the Omnibus Election Code for election offenses.

VII. Practical Advice for Voters

Check your registration status early via the official COMELEC website or local office.
Bring at least two valid IDs on election day.
Take note of your precinct number and cluster before going to the polling place.
Be calm and polite when discussing with the EB—misunderstandings are common and often resolvable.
Document the incident if you suspect irregularities; this strengthens future complaints.

VIII. Conclusion

Having your name highlighted on the voter list is not, by itself, grounds for disqualification. It is often a precautionary or administrative measure. The Constitution guarantees the right to vote, and COMELEC’s own rules instruct precinct officials to allow eligible voters to cast their ballots upon proper verification. Filipino voters should know their rights, follow proper procedure, and assert their participation with confidence and civility.