Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 7904)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 7904 is to amend Section 185 of the Omnibus Election Code to require the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to furnish every registered voter with an official sample ballot, voters information sheet, and a list of candidates at least thirty days before an election.
The official sample ballots must be printed on colored paper, be like the official ballots but bear the words 'Official Sample Ballot' and contain no names of actual candidates in the spaces for voting; they are for public demonstration only and not for voting.
The Commission must provide the board of election inspectors with official sample ballots at the rate of thirty (30) ballots per polling place.
The Commission must send every registered voter an unfilled official sample ballot, a voter information sheet, and a list of all registered national, provincial, and city candidates to be voted in the election.
The voter information sheet must include the voter's name, address, precinct, the place where the voter is registered, and simplified instructions on how to cast votes.
The names of the candidates must be listed in alphabetical order under their respective party affiliations, and each must have a one-line statement (not exceeding three words) stating their occupation or profession.
The candidates’ names should be arranged in three columns: the first starting with 'A' to 'Z'; the second starting with 'I' to 'Z' and then 'A' to 'H'; and the third starting with 'Q' to 'Z' and then 'A' to 'P'.
Yes, persons nominated under the party-list system must also be included in the list provided to voters.
The materials should be printed in the language or dialect understood by the majority of voters in the region.
The materials must be sent through registered mail with return card, personal service with a corresponding receipt signed by the voter or a person who knows the voter, or any other practicable means.