A minor technical glitch was experienced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in casting his vote for the 2025 midterm polls, after the automated counting machine failed to accept his ballot.

Marcos Jr encountered an error after the ballot jammed inside the machine. This forced the President to repeat the process of feeding the ballot, assisted by members of the electoral board. His second try however was successful.

Marcos Jr., voted early morning Monday at the Mariano Marcos Memorial Elementary School in Batac, Ilocos Norte.

He arrived with his mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, and his sister, Irene Marcos-Araneta who also voted in the same precinct. Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos was also in the same precinct, but did not cast his vote yet.

The President briefly showed to the media a list of candidates that he would be voting for. Upon closer inspection however the list was only composed of candidates for the local polls.

The President took only a few minutes to shade his ballot, after which he proceeded to the ACM to feed his ballot.

The President did not grant any interviews after voting.

Marcos Jr., on the eve of election day, urged the public to exercise their right to vote and choose candidates who can serve the country.

“Ngayong halalan, gamitin natin ang ating karapatan at gampanan ang ating pananagutan bilang mamamayang Pilipino. Isang pagkakataon ito para marinig ang boses ng bawat isa at maipahayag ang mga pangarap na mahalaga sa inyo at sa bayan,” Marcos said in a video message.

“Kaya bumoto po tayo. Piliin ang tapat, may malasakit, at may kakayahang magsilbi,” he added.

Early voting for senior citizens and their assistors, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant women for the May 12 midterm elections started at 5 a.m.

The Commission on Elections said the early voting hours for these groups would allow them to skip the long queues and avoid the hot weather.

The Palace has declared election day, May 12, a non-working holiday.