Participation on Election: The Perception of First Time Voters about Elections

April Rose C. Arado

Rosemarie B. Babanto

Kenneth Jones P. Bangkil

John Marc M. Bonggot

Grade 12 – STEM

Yumbing National High School

Abstract

The highest number of voters are composed of young unexperienced

individuals. Because of their innocence and lack of Involvement in election, many
factors can affect their perception. Thus, first time voters needs to be educated
politically so that our nation and our fellow countrymen will have its deserved leader.
This study attempts to discuss in detailed the perception of first time voters regarding
on this upcoming election, the factors that affect their perception in choosing a
candidate, and the view point of their trust towards different source of political
information. This study is a qualitative research which uses a phenomenological
research design. Five respondents that are first time voters were chosen
purposively. Furthermore, phenomenological interviewing was applied in data
gathering.

Result shows that the perception of first time voters about election is
inadequate. It also indicates that first time voters don't have enough knowledge
about election regulations, electoral system, and has a different basis in voting
decision. In addition, this study shows that the perception of first time voters is
mostly influenced by their family and mostly not by their friends nor the internet.
Lastly, it also shows that almost all first time voters do not trust the internet and the
politicians as sources of political information, and only set their trust on broadcasted
political information like the televised news.

Keywords; First-time voters, Perception, Political information, election,

phenomenological research

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 I. Introduction

Voting among young adults or from the first timers matters because they

constitute as the future voters and are a major subset of the electorate (Circle 2016).

Since the act of voting is habit- forming, young people must engage in the polls early

on. After all, voting is no small matter. As what Jose Rizal said, “Younger generation

are the hope of a nation”. Voting is a chance to play a part in the future of the nation.

In a representative democracy or the other form of governance, an election is

a mechanism for the people to choose their candidate or preference. Most

democratic countries hold new elections for their national legislature every few years.

What elections do is select representatives for the local areas. These are called MPs

(Members of Parliament) in the British parliamentary system. The Congress of the

Philippines ( Kongreso ng Pilipinas) is the bicameral legislature of the Philippines.

The politics of the Philippines take place within a three-branch governmental

system. The country is a democracy, led by a directly-elected president who serves

as both the head of state and the head of government. The president heads the

executive branch, and has significant political powers. Presidents are limited to a

single six-year term of office. The bicameral Congress serves as the legislature,

consisting of the small Senate, elected on an at-large basis throughout the country,

and the larger House of Representatives, primarily made up of representatives

elected from specific geographic regions. The judiciary is headed by the Supreme

Court of the Philippines, a body with expansive powers of review over actions taken

by other political and administrative bodies.

There are different ways to organize an election in different countries. Voters

might vote for an individual, or they might vote for a political party (party list). This is

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because different countries use different voting systems. In the Philippines, the

plurality system has been enshrined in the 1935, 1973, and 1987 constitutions.

Under the 1987 constitution, all elective officials – president, vice-president,

senators, members of the House of Representatives, local chief executives and local

legislators – are chosen by a direct vote of the people through a ‘first-past-the-post

system’ (Agra, 1997 p: 1). The Philippine electoral system has generally been

consistent throughout history.

The Philippine experience with electoral politics is instructive in the process of

democratic development in the Asia-Pacific region. Nearly a century since American

colonial authorities introduced electoral and party politics, the quality of democratic

representation as an outcome of elections has always been held in doubt.

Clientelism, nepotism, fraud and violence, among others, have reinforced the elitist

nature of Philippine electoral politics. This was exacerbated during the period of

Marcos’ authoritarian rule as democratic elections were briefly replaced by

‘demonstration elections’ held under duress. The ouster of the Marcos dictatorship in

February 1986 has ushered in a period of democratization.

Every country around the world has different rules and regulations when it

come sot voting in elections. The biggest differences amongst most major countries

is, the age in which an individual may vote and whether voting in an election is

compulsory or not. In the Philippines, every citizen 18 years old and older on election

day who has been a resident of the Philippines for at least a year and for at least six

months in the place where she or he is registered, and who is not otherwise

disqualified by law, is eligible to vote.

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 The election process is a very vital component of democracy. In fact, it is

considered as the heart of the democratic system because through elections, people

have the power to choose the individuals who would lead their country by vesting

power to them through the conduct of voting or elections. According to Ramos and

Rodolfo, as the popular saying goes, there is power in numbers. This holds

especially true in an election, where in the amount of votes decides everything

(2021). Hence, elections have always been rendered significant by democracies as a

source of authority and legitimacy.

The Philippines, having a democratic system of government, conducts

elections in order to have leaders that would guide the country. The 2022 Philippine

presidential and vice presidential elections are scheduled to be held on Monday,

May 9, 2022, as part of the 2022 general election. This will be the 17th direct

presidential election and 16th vice presidential election in the Philippines since 1935,

and the sixth sexennial presidential and vice presidential election since 1992.

The Commission on Election (COMELEC) has recorded a total of 65.7 million

registered Filipino voters for May 2022 election. Almost 6.3% of those counting are

first time voters and has a total of 4, 094, 614 voters belonging to the 18 to 21 age

group. Among of the total number of registered voters, the quantity of first time

voters is extremely significant. They are frequently just become a political

exploitation which carried out by political parties rather than significant groups who

play vital roles in the election.

Earlier studies indicate that when developing voting intentions, young people

may be influenced by discussions with their parents (Zukin et al., 2006), but equally

relevant are discussions with older friends who are politically active (Ekström and

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Östman, 2013) and who might answer them to their question regarding the vote in

general or about the political campaign (Harris, Wyn, and Younes, 2010). Also,

young voters lack previous exposure to political messages and may develop

independent thinking about politics by following the social media (Pasek et al., 2006)

especially to those individuals who lived in the world influence by social media, the

way youth looked at the things, happenings and phenomenon are different.

Furthermore, since first time voters could not vote before, this is the first

election to which they have been subjected and arguably paid attention to as voters.

The lack of experience with campaigns can have a dual effect: it can either make

first-time voters use the campaign cues to assess candidates (Abrajano, 2005) or

decide autonomously on how they vote without being aware of the information

benefits provided by the campaign. Second, first-time voters have limited partisan

attachment because they could not engage with party activities (legal age) and

partisanship is less acquired within the family in recent times (Vraga et al., 2014).

The participation of first time voters is not only for merry the party, but the

most important is the participation describes the perception of the group regarding

election system. There are two motives why young people are a fascinating subject

to be studied. Firstly, the 2022 election is the first moment for the first time voters to

give their vote although they have took part in the political campaign. It is the precise

time to provide a comprehensive account on democracy and election to young

generation in order to have a good explanation about it. Secondly, they are the

Filipinos next leaders. It is a good moment to direct young voters’ opinion regarding

the electoral implementation since political party registration until the electoral

evaluation. Thus, it is crucial that the government should present a positive

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understanding on democratic system and electoral procedure as a precise way to

earn people welfare.

Purpose of the Study

This study was conducted to describe in detailed the perception of first- time

voters regarding this 2022 election. Further, this examination investigated the

influenced of other people to the first- time voter’s view in choosing their candidates

in this elections. Additionally, the investigation supported the first-time voters’ trust

towards different sources of political information.

II. Research Questions

1. What is the perception of first- time voters about elections?

2. How did other people influenced the first- time voter’s view in choosing a

candidates?

3. What is the first-time voter’s trust towards different sources of political

information?

III. Methodology

This is a qualitative study that used a phenomenological research design with

5 selected first-time voters in Mambajao, Camiguin as participants. Purposive

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sampling was utilized since it was the most appropriate sampling technique for this

study because the participants could relate to and express their personal

perceptions.

Purposive sampling technique, according to Statistics Solutions (2019), is a

sampling technique used by qualitative researchers to select individuals can provide

in-depth and thorough information about the topic under inquiry. It is very subjective,

with the qualitative researchers determining the qualifying criteria, which is young

voters age of 18-21 years old, that each participant must meet in order to be

included for the research study.

Phenomenological interviewing was employed in data collection in order to

describe the meaning of a concept of phenomenon (perception of first-time voter).

The questions was made by the researchers with some help from the previous

research study of Al-Hamdi et.al (2014). The interviews was carried out during March

18 to 21, 2021.

Following data gathering, thematic analysis was used, the data was

organized, coded, and structured to form themes. The study was divided into three

themes that were logically arranged, and the research then sought a research

expert to review the discussed results and interpreted data before concluding the

report.

The study was biased in terms of specific ethical considerations. Through the

signed approval and consent letter, all participants were guided concurrently

regarding the participation agreement between the school and the researchers. At

the same time, participants of the sample were asked to take part in the study

voluntarily and cooperatively.

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 All participants were informed, guided, and instructed to answer the interview

questions truthfully and based on their personal perceptions of the study. All the

resources required for the study’s execution were provided by the researchers.

In addition, participants were fully informed about the objectives and purpose

of the study, and they were reassured that their responses would be regarded with

strict confidentiality and utilized solely for academic and research purposes. Aside

from aforementioned, participants were neither harmed nor abused, both physical

and psychological, during the course of the study. As a results, participants felt at

ease throughout the interview.

IV. Results and Discussion

1.Perceptions of First- Time about Election

Theme 1a. Knowledge on Regulations

Having the knowledge about rules and regulations help individuals what is

expected of them, what is to be followed and what will happen if they violate the

rules and regulations(Leonard, 2018). So when a voter knows about election

regulations, she/he has an idea of what she/he should do, what rules must be

followed and which cannot be violated. After some information was gathered about

what they had about regulations on election, key sources was discovered:

“Wala koy nahibal-an nga mga regulations sa election” (I don’t know

about election regulations) (V-1)

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 These exclamation imply that there are first time voters who know nothing

about election regulations. It can be concluded from the viewpoint of this young voter

who had no knowledge of the laws and restriction that voters or even the candidates

must obey. But in some participants the following key sources were discovered:

"Wala kaayo koy nahibal-an rules aside sa dili pwede ang vote buying
ug mangawat sa buto” (I don’t know much about rules aside from vote
buying and stealing votes) (V-2)

"Dapat dili sila maghatag ug kwarta ug maghadlok para lang mosunod

sila ug butaran ka” (They shouldn’t give money and to scared just to
follow and vote them) (V-4)

These answers showed that vote buying was one of regulations that the some

first-time voters knew. Illegal electoral strategies are prevalent in many consolidating

democracies. Among these strategies is vote buying, a form of political exchange in

which politicians give gifts or money to individuals in exchange for electoral support

(Hicken, 2011). The General Local Government Election & Other Voting Procedures

Bylaw No. 831, 2018 stated that vote buying and intimidation are prohibited. On the

other hand, the other key sources uncovered:

"I only know isa ka policy that is vote wisely, kailangan ta magpili ug
kandidato nga karapat-dapat ana nga pwesto” (I only know one policy
and that is to vote wisely, we need to choose a candidate who deservs
that position) (V-3)

"Dapat lang nga kabalo ka kung kinsa gid imong butaran ug dili pwede
ang duha katao ang imong butaran ana nga pwesto” (You have to
know who you are going to vote for and you cant vote two people in
that position) (V-5)

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 These exclamations indicate the policies that a voters must follow, do and

think in choosing and voting. It can be deduced that if you vote for a candidate, you

must be wise, she/he deserve the position, and you are certain. As what Samson

(2021) says that it’s a serious business being a intelligent in voting and picking the

right candidate who will faithfully serves his/her country and not somebody else’s.

Theme 1b. Awareness about Electoral System

The political participation of youth in electoral processes is substantially lower

than for other groups. Voting is an important way to make your voice heard and

participate in the democratic process. First-time voters awareness about when,

where, and how elections and referendums are conducted and how their results are

determined, the selected participants answered that:

"Tungod kay pinaka una pani nako ni wala ko kabalo kanus a ang
eleksyon kay wala kaayo ko pake ana, wakoy hinanawan Pero kamao
ko nga naay eleksyon” (since its my first time, I don’t know when the
election is because I don’t care much about it. But I know there is
election) (V-1)

According to Liao (2020) the reasons for young people’s lack of engagement

in voting vary is some aren’t interested in politics. The response of this participant

revealed that this voter was unaware of the electoral system for the reason that the

voter was unconcerned about what or how the election would be held. However, the

following participants answered that:

"Sa May ang election, wala koy idea gid kung unsaon or unsa ang
buhaton kung magbutar na then murag ani raman pod siguro na ani
amo covered court, kung kinsa ang pinaka dako nga boto mao ang

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 daug.” (I really have no idea how or what to do when I vote then I think
here in our covered court, whoever gets the biggest vote wins) (V-2)

"Kabalo ko nga May ang election, dayun kasagara sa skwelahan

mana, wala ko kabalo unsaon pagbutar ug mudaog ang kandidato
kung daghan ng boto niya” (I know that the election is on May, then
usually in school, I don’t know how to vote and the candidate win if
there are many votes ) (V-4, V-5)

The participants’ responses indicate that they are aware of the election

system, including when, where, and how to determine who will win, but they have no

idea what to do or how to vote on election day. There are first-time voter who are not

aware on what is going to happen in the day of election. It is a simple fact of the

secret ballot system that in reality we have no idea what factors precisely determine

why people vote the way they do (Lilleker, 2014). And also, the other participant says

that:

"Base on what I heard I think the voting period is on May 9, dili ko sure
kung asa dapit nga lugar mag butar, ug e shade man siguro nimo ang
ang pangalan sa imong butaran dayun kung kinsa ang dako ug
number sa boto mao ang daog” (Base on what I heard I think the
voting period is on May 9, I’m not sure which place to vote, and I think
you’ll shade the name of your voter then whoever has he highest
number of votes wins) (V-3)

On what this participants says there is only one difference with the

participants above say, the answers above don’t know how to vote but know where

to vote, whereas this participants knows how to vote but does not know where the

polling stations is.

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Theme 1c. Basis in Voting Decisions

In the study of voting behavior, it is usual practice to examine the party

identification, the characteristics of the candidates and the relevance of issue voting.

These three criteria have been found to shape voters’ choices in such a way that

their decision cannot be easily changed (Chan and Yeung, 2014, pp.134-150). We

have a basis on how to make a good voting decisions in order to avoid wasting it

when electing our next leaders. After following information was gathered from

participants about their basis in vote decision making, the key informants unfolded:

"Sa ilang plataporma ko nag base kay dadto mn nimo makita kon
unsay ilang pwede matabang sa atong bansa ug sa katawhan ug ” (I
base on their platform because that’s where you can see what they
can help our country and the people) (V-1)

"Nag base kos ilang plataporma kon unsa ilang ma ambag sa atong
nasod ug sa ilang kinaiya” (I base on their platform on what they can
contribute to our country and their qualities) (V-2)

"Nag base gid ko sa ilang plataporma, ang mga bout buhaton sa atong
nasod ug a ilang characteristic” (I base on their on their platform, what
they want to do in our country and their characteristics) (V-3)

The information above revealed that there basis in their voting decisions are

the platform of candidates, a candidate principle goals, make and strives to maintain

once they are elected. As well as the characteristics and qualities to become a good

leaders. But not all basing in the platform because the other key informant says that:

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 "Sa ako, sa family ko nag base kay ginadiscuss nila na about sa mga
inganha’ (to me, I base toy family because they are discussing about
that) (V-4

The first-time voter statement says that the discussion about politics within the

family is also the basis of the voter on their decision who to vote. Young people’s

engagement in political discussion with parents represents a significant component

of political socialization process and can be seen as an activity where they learn

some very basic democratic skills (Levinsen and Yndigegn, 2015, pp. 72-91). While

the other participant states that:

"Sa mga experience nila sa pagdala sa atong nasod’ (their

experiences in leading our country) (V-5)

The candidate’s experiences as leader of the country became the basis of the

participant. On the achievements and accomplishment during his/her term when

presided over the place in which he was elected.

2.Influence by Other People

Theme 2a. Family

According to Easton's model, the family's role is most relevant to supporting

the political system, particularly by transmitting values, attitudes, opinions, and

beliefs from generation to generation. Political Science research shows that families

are typically the starting point for someone's political views. At the point after some

data were gathered about how family influenced their political views, imparted:

"Na impluwensyahan kos akong pamilya kay sila may kamao sa mga
background sa kandidato kay sila mn ang naka agi na” (my family has

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 an influence on me because they know the background of the
candidates and they are the ones who have gone through it) (V-1)

"Pareha man mi gusto kung kinsa amo botaran sa akong pamilya” (my
family and I have the same person want to vote) (V-2)

"Higi man gid mi tapok-tapok so everytime nga ania mi tanan

maghisgot dayun na sila about sa election mahitungod ana nga tao so
makaingon ko ahhh ingan diay(We always have gathering so
everytime we all gather they will then talk about election, about that
person so I can say ahhhh that’s it) (V-4)

"Oo kay ag ignan ko nila nga kana gid siya kay chada ug background
ug naay experience” (Yes because they will tell me that she/he really is
because has a good background and has experiences) (V-5)

These statements explain that the young voters were influenced by their

families regarding on their political views. It is said that the participants were

influenced for various reasons: first, they tend to rely on their family's personal

experiences based on previous candidates' good backgrounds; second, similarities

between their preferred candidates; third, being persuaded to choose that candidate;

and lastly, through engagement in political discussion with their family. On the other

hand, the first-time voter revealed:

"Dili kaayo ko sa akong pamilya kay na man gid mga rason nga dili ko
mag depend sa ilaha(not so much in my family because there are
always reasons why I don’t depend on them)"(V-3)

It is widely believed that children will imitate their parents' behaviors and

attitudes whether parents want them to or not. But then her statement states that she

has not been influenced by her family for some reason. And according to Patterson

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(2014) recent study shows that children who are raised to have strong beliefs are

also more likely to rebel against those views as they age.

Them 2b. Friends/Peers

Research from Monash Business School has found that friendship groups can

impact an individual’s own political views. This is particularly the case if your friends

hold similar views, to begin with. The key informant exclaimed that:

"Wala kaayo ko naimpluwensiyan sa akoa mga amigo kay puro raman

ilang mga opinion ilang ipng isturya mag libog na dayon ko kinsa ako
tuohan" (I’m not much influenced by friends because they only talks
about their opinions so its confusing who to believe) (V-1)

"Dili man ko'g paminaw sa mga gipangsulti sa akong amigo

mahitongod sa ilang mga gusto nga kandidato kay lahi man ang ako"(I
don’t listen to my friends talk about what they like because mi is
different) (V-2)

"Dili pod kay dili sila reliable nga kuan ug information" (Nor is it
because they are not a reliable source of informatio) (V-3)

These participants claim that they are not influenced by their friends. Because

they are not reliable enough to acquire information given the fact that their friends'

opinions prevail whenever they discuss, which caused them to be confused by the

mixed information. also, purposely chose not to listen to their arguments. People

who do not belong to the same group often do not behave the same. Furthermore

participant revealed:

"Ang akong mga amigo usahay ang debati pana sila dayun naa ipang-
ingon nga chada kaayo sa pandungog mao nga usahay mabag-o imo

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 pang lantaw"(My friends sometimes debate and then say something
that is good to hear so sometimes your views change.(V-4)

This response implies that he/she would change his/her view, especially when

the subject matter discussed is convincing. And the other participant also revealed:

"Usahay kung naa silay eshare nga memes tungkol sa politics o sa

kandidato dayun naa sila ipan ingon nga makadiscourage, dismayado
ug disappointed ka” (Sometimes when they share memes about
politics and the candidates they will say something that will feel you
discourage, dismay and disappointed) (V-5)

This statement states that friends don't influence voter because he/she would

see inappropriate things about politics, which gives him/her a negative impression.

Theme 2c. Social Media

In this modern world, people are being dependent on social media. Its content

influence us in many ways especially nowadays that the election campaign had took

pace. The internet has created channels of communication that plays a key role in

circulating news, and social media has the power to change not just the message,

but the dynamics of political corruption, values and the dynamics of conflict in politics

(Peter 2018). After some information was gathered about the influence of social

media to the first time voters regarding on election, key sources was discovered:

"Dili man kay daghan fake news ug dili sad kaayo ko hilig sa social
media" (Not because there is a lot of fake news and I also don’t like
social media) (V-1)

Based on the statement above, we can conclude that there are some first time

voters who are not influence by political content and platforms they see on social

media. This participant, which is a first time voter reasoned that social media is

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infested with many fake news and can't be trusted. But for the rest of the

participants, the following information were discovered:

"Makabag-o pod na ug hunahuna kung naa koy nakita nga mga post
about sa mga gikumpara nga mga kandidato, ang mabuti kono at
masama" (It can also change your mindset when you see posts about
the candidates being compared, the good and the bad) (V-2)

"I am dependent on social media kay world wide na baya na so every

nga nanggihitabo e post baya na" (I am dependent on social media
since its world wide so every time something happens they will post it)
(V-3)

"Naa koy nakita nga post nga kana nga tao is nanghatag or naghimo
ug maayo naa nay impact dayun sa ako"(I saw a post that person give
or made good things, help, that’s had an impact to me) (V-4, V-5)

From the statement given by this young voters, we can conclude trough their

responds that almost all firs time voters rely and being influenced by social media

regarding on the issue of politics. In addition, we can clearly say that first time voters

are dependent to social media and it is capable of making them believed what they

see and changing their point of view depending on what kind of political content they

are glancing at from it.

3.Trust Towards Different Source of Political Information

Theme 3a. Online Sources

One of the main source of political information nowadays is the internet.

Internet produces both real and fake political information. When asked about the

viewpoint of their trust on online source, the key informant answers:

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 “dili kay daghan man gyud himo himo lang, lain lain nga mga opinion
walay facts”(not because many others out there are just fabrications,
different opinions without facts)(V-1)

"Basa basa lang, dili gid ko kaingon nga masaligan"(just reading it,
cannot say it can be trusted) (V-2)

"Wala gid ko nag trust ana nila kay naa man gid mga instances nga
mag post ra sila ug mga false information and i think some of them are
bias"(I don’t trust them at all because there are instances where they
just post false information and I think some of them are bias) (V-3)

"Dili kaayo ko ana kay ang uban man gid dili sakto mao nga usahay
mag duhaduha ko"(not so much because some are really inaccurate so
sometimes I get skeptical) (V-5)

Based on the answers of these young voters, we can conclude that they don’t

trust the internet as a source of political information. Their main reason is that the

internet is full of bias and a home of countless fake news. These result were the

same to the study of Elsevier B.V (2022) which he claimed that the decline of

political trust is often linked to the rise of the internet. On the other hand, the

participant answers that:

"Motuo ko kung reliable sources pero we must man gyud dig deeper,
dili ra mag rely ana kay dili man gid malikayan nga magkamali sila,
dapat nimo e tagpi tagpi"(I believe ifreliable sources but we must really
dig deeper, just don’t rely on them because it is inevitable that they will
make mistakes, you have to patch them up) (V-4)

Based on the responds, we can clearly see that there are some first time

voters who still believed in political information they see on the internet. But the

respondent added that in citing some political information a person needs to be

meticulous and must find the most reliable source if needed.

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Theme 3b. Television News

According to a Pulse Asia survey in September 2021 found that television

remains as the main source of news about politics and the government for 91% of

the country’s adult population. Television, especially television news, may simply be

a convenient source of political information to voters. When asked on their trust

towards television news for political information, the participants shared:

"Kana nuon salig ko dana nila kay imo man gyud makita”(That’s what I
trust them because you can really see it)(V-1)
"Ana ko ang kakuha sa information usahay kay dili ma siguro pod na
sila mubalita kung dili tinood"(I get the information to them sometimes
because I’m not sure they’ll report it if its not true)(V-2)(V-5)

"Saligan kaayo kay grabi naman gid nila formulate sa mga balita
before nila e broadcast kay bawal mag na sila mag spread ug fake
news kay ila own emage ang masira"(they are reliable sources
because they very much formulate the news before they broadcast it
because they are not allowed to spread face news because their own
image will be damage) (V-4)

These responses really showed that television news is the primary source of

political information and the most trusted source of information for voters. They

reasoned that if they reported or spread face news, the network would be destroyed.

Cable and network television news remain the main source of political information for

the people over the age of thirty (Mitchell and Holcomb, 2016) but the data gathered

above says that teens also. In spite of that, the other one said:

"I only trust most reliable news kanang naa gyuy evidence nga ipakita
na nagapamatood kay ingon baya sila kay to see is to believe"(I only
trust most reliable news that there is evidence to prove because they
say that to see is to believe) (V-3)

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 This verbatim account indicate to the saying “to see is to believe” where the

first-time voters likely to witnessed the truth, have proof of evidence, and the news

can no longer be doubted.

Theme 3c. Politician

Without doubt politician are sensitive, but inevitable source of political

information. In addition, the political information they say may affects firs time voter's

perception. When asked about the viewpoint of their trust towards political

information that came from politician, key sources was recovered:

“Sa akoa dili ko ag trust nila kay given naman gyud daan nga modagan
sila which gikinahanglan gyud nga mag hisgut silag flowery words or
unsa pa pra ma convince ang mga tawo nga botaran sila”(I don’t trust
them because given that they are running which is really necessary for
them to talk flowery words or anything else to convince people to vote
them) (V-1)

“Sa tinuod lang, dili gid ko ag tuo Ana, Kay murag dili kaayo realistic
bitaw, murag walay pulos ang ilang gipang engon. Sa una lang, pero
pag ma lider na sila, wala gihapon, wlaa gihapon nilambo ang Lugar”
(Honestly, I really don’t believe that, because it doesn’t seem very
realistic, it seems like its useless. At first, but when they became a
leader, still no development) (V-4)

These responses indicates that there are some first time voters who doesn't

trust the political information that came from politicians themselves. As author David

Servenay said on one of his papers that it is essential to keep in mind that

candidates, party leaders and their representative will defend their own interest, this

participants also thinks the same way. They thinks that what the politicians says, is

only favorable on their own interest, and it is their main reason why these

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respondents trust nothing on any political information from politicians. But for the

other participants, key sources was discovered:

“Naay uban gipang ingon sa politiko nga tinood labi na nga daghan tao
nga nakasinati nga nahitabo”(there are others who are still as politically
true especially as many people have experienced it happened) (V-2)

“Usahay mosalig ko nila pero not all the time , depende sa tao kung
honest ba siya ug saligan. Kay usahay maayo ra sila mosaad, pero
kulang sa buhat ug lihok” (Sometimes I trust in them but not all the
time, it depends on the person, if he /she is honest and trustworthy,
Because sometimes they are only good at promising, but lacks in
works and actions) (V-3)

“Not 100% nga gatuo sa storya sa mga politiko gyud. Didto ko ga salig
sa iyang pagkatawo Kay Ang storya pweding maguba”(Not 100%
believe what politicians really say. I trust there identity because what is
said can be broken) (V-5)

These answers manifested that there are also some first time voters who

doesn't trust immediately on what political information the politician said. These

respondents added that, they will only believe if the political information which the

politician claims is supported with evidence.

V. Conclusion

The following conclusion were taken from the study’s findings. The results

revealed that the perception of first-time voters about election is inadequate. They

have insufficient knowledge on the election regulation, with vote buying is only

regulation of election known to first time voters; however, some of them is their own

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personal opinion which is to vote wisely. Majority of first-time voters utters that they

are not aware how to vote in the day of election period, along with one of the first-

time voter who knows nothing. Political Platform is the most first-time voters basis in

their voting decision, and some of them are from the discussion with the family and

the candidate’s experiences.

In addition, first-time voters were influenced by their family, friends, and social

media. Majority of the participants’ responses show that they have been influenced

specifically by their family and social media regarding their political views. And the

rest of the response is neutral, neither influenced nor not.

First-time voters are skeptical of unsubstantiated claims and prefer to obtain

political information from a reputable sources. Most of first-time voters relied on

television news for political information rather than the internet or politicians. These

perceptions were built because there is a lot of false information in the world,

particularly in politics, and young voters think twice before trusting information.

VI. Recommendations

1. The commission on election (COMELEC) should provide a pre-election voter

awareness campaign especially for the first-time voters so that they have

extensive information about elections.

2. First time voters must not be biased. Be open and see the different

perspectives on the influential factors mentioned; gather factual information

from such groups and make their own decision.

3. The news industry must provide high-quality journalism in order to build public

trust and correct fake news and disinformation without legitimizing them.

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 Technology companies should invest in tools that identify fake news, reduce

financial incentives for those who profit from disinformation, and improve

online accountability.

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