POLL WATCHER DATA COLLECTION FORM

May 12, 2025 Local Elections

Candidate: ______________________________ Position: ________________________

Election Area: ______________________ Polling Station: _________________________
Poll Watcher Name:__________________ Contact Information: ____________________

Section 1: Polling Station Details and Location Analysis

Polling Station Name/Number: ______________________________________________
Polling Station Address/Location:____________________________________________
Total Number of Barangays: _______ Total Number of Registered Voters: ___________
Barangay(s) Covered by this Polling Station:
Political Zone Category
Barangay Bailiwick Neutral Hotspot
Yes No Yes No Yes No
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Voter Turnout Expectation:

Based on previous elections, how do you expect voter turnout at this polling station?
[ ] High [ ] Moderate [ ] Low
Is there a heavy presence of opposing candidates' supporters in or near the polling area?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Unsure
Have you observed any past election-related violence, disturbances, or irregularities in this area?
[ ] Yes [ ] No

Section 2: Voter Conduct and Possible Irregularities

Please check any of the following irregularities or incidents you observe during the election process:
Irregularity/Incident Yes No
Voters not listed in the voter registry [] []
Voter intimidation or harassment [] []
Voters receiving assistance in casting ballots without proper authorization [] []
Voting more than once or with multiple ballots [] []
Ballot tampering or alteration [] []
Proxy voting or impersonation of voters [] []
Voting outside of designated polling hours [] []
Any suspicious movement or conduct of election officials or party representatives [] []
Use of campaign materials inside or near polling stations [] []
Presence of unauthorized individuals inside polling stations [] []
Reports of "vote buying" or other forms of electoral bribery [] []
Other irregularities (Please specify) [] []

Section 3: Paralegal Assistance and Actions During Incident Handling

Please indicate if the following occurred during election day and how paralegals assisted or should have
assisted:
Paralegal Assistance or Actions Yes No
Paralegal provided immediate legal guidance on irregularities or violations [] []
Paralegal helped document incidents for legal purposes (photos, reports) [] []
Paralegal communicated directly with election officials or authorities [] []
Paralegal assisted with filing complaints or reports during the election day [] []
Paralegal handled coordination with other poll watchers for incident management [ ] [ ]

Section 4: Previous Poll Watching Experience

1. Have you ever served as a poll watcher in previous elections? [ ] Yes [ ] No
2. Did you receive any training or guidance during your previous experience? [ ] Yes [ ] No
 3. Were you assisted by paralegals during your previous experience? [ ] Yes [ ] No
4. What is your understanding of the coordination between poll watchers and paralegals during
election day? [ ] Very Clear [ ] Somewhat Clear [ ] Neutral [ ] Unclear

Section 5: Paralegal Assistance and Incident Response on Election Day

Please answer the following questions based on your experience and observation of how paralegals
performed their duties during the election day. Check all that apply and provide short notes when
necessary.

5.1 Presence and Accessibility of Paralegals

1. Were paralegals assigned to your polling place?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Not sure
2. How often did you see or interact with the assigned paralegal(s)?
[ ] Throughout the day [ ] Occasionally (specific times or shifts)
[ ] Rarely [ ] Not at all
3. How easy was it to contact a paralegal when you needed assistance?
[ ] Very easy – they were always nearby or responsive
[ ] Somewhat easy – had to call or wait briefly
[ ] Difficult – they were often unavailable or unreachable
[ ] Did not attempt to contact
4. Did the paralegal give you a contact number, communication channel (e.g., group chat), or ID
before or during election day? [ ] Yes [ ] No
If yes, specify the mode of communication:
[ ] Phone call [ ] Text [ ] Group chat [ ] In-person only

5.2 Types of Assistance Rendered

Which of the following forms of legal or logistical assistance did the paralegal provide during the day?
(Check all that apply and provide brief descriptions if possible)

Assistance Type Yes No

Provided legal advice or quick guidance on election rules [] []
Helped document violations (e.g., writing IRs, taking photos/videos) [] []
Intervened with election officials to resolve an issue [] []
Assisted in filing a complaint with the BEI, police, or COMELEC [] []
Escorted watcher or voter who experienced intimidation or threats [] []
Advised on the use of official forms (e.g., IRs, affidavits) [] []
Helped prepare a legal summary of the day’s events [] []
Clarified watchers’ rights and limitations under the law [] []
Handled coordination with HQ or legal hotline [] []
Resolved misunderstanding with election officers or watchers of other parties [] []

5.3 Assessment of Paralegal Behavior and Competence

1. In your view, did the paralegal conduct themselves in a professional and competent manner?
[ ] Yes, very professional and knowledgeable
[ ] Generally competent, but with room for improvement
[ ] Lacked basic legal knowledge or professionalism
[ ] Not applicable (no paralegal present)
2. Were there any moments when you felt unsupported by a paralegal when legal help was
needed?
[ ] Yes [ ] No
3. Were paralegals proactive (offered help even before being asked) or reactive (only helped when
called)? [ ] Proactive [ ] Reactive [ ] Neither [ ] Not sure

5.4 Watcher Expectations and Suggestions for Paralegals

1. In your opinion, what are the top 3 actions a paralegal must always be ready to take during
election day?
[ ] Document violations [ ] Advise poll watchers
[ ] File reports and complaints [ ] Intervene with BEI or PNP
[ ] Coordinate with legal HQ [ ] Mediate disputes
[ ] Ensure safety of watchers and voters

5.5 Understanding of Roles in Protecting the Candidate’s Interest

Please answer the following questions to help us understand your view of the responsibilities of poll
watchers, paralegals, and lawyers on election day.

1. In your opinion, who is primarily responsible for protecting the candidate's interest at the polling
place?(Check only one)
[ ] The Poll Watcher [ ] The Paralegal [ ] The Election Lawyer
[ ] All of the above equally [ ] Not sure
2. Who do you think should take the lead when an election irregularity occurs?
[ ] The Poll Watcher [ ] The Paralegal [ ] The Election Lawyer
3. What do you believe is your main role as a poll watcher in protecting the candidate’s vote?
(Check all that apply)
[ ] Monitor the voting and counting process
[ ] Document and report irregularities
[ ] Alert paralegals and lawyers of any incidents
[ ] Guard the ballots and ensure they are not tampered with
[ ] Prevent cheating or manipulation
[ ] Assist and guide voters
[ ]Others: [Specify]
4. What is the primary role of a paralegal during election day?
(Check all that apply)
[ ] Give legal advice to poll watchers
[ ] Help document and report violations
[ ] Talk to BEIs, police, and COMELEC officers when needed
[ ] Protect the watcher from intimidation
[ ] Stay in the background unless called
[ ] Others: [Specify]
5. What do you believe is the election lawyer’s role on election day?
(Check all that apply)
[ ] Oversee legal operations
[ ] Supervise paralegals
[ ] Provide legal opinions and resolve complex issues
[ ] Represent the candidate in legal complaints
[ ] Coordinate with COMELEC and HQ
[ ] Others: [Specify]
6. Do you believe your role as a poll watcher is clearly defined and understood?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Somewhat [ ] I need more clarification or training
7. Do you feel empowered and prepared to perform your role in coordination with paralegals and
lawyers? [ ] Yes, fully [ ] No [ ] Somewhat

Section 6: Poll Watcher’s Signature

By signing this form, I affirm that the information provided above is true and accurate to the best of my
knowledge.

Poll Watcher Name: ___________________________________________________

Date: _____________ Signature: __________________________

Legal Team Remarks:

Next Steps/Actions: