THOSE planning to cast their votes in today’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections had better bring protective gear and water.

An official of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) announced that the temperature today could reach as high as 34 degrees Celsius.

Engr. Oscar Tabada, Pagasa Visayas director, said the heat index could also reach as high as 41 degrees Celsius, which could be physically dangerous after prolonged exposure.

Tabada urged poll officials to allow senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and those with preexisting conditions to vote early to avoid exposing themselves to the heat.

“They should be allowed to vote first so they won’t suffer heat stroke,” Tabada added.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) also reminded voters to bring protective gear, such as hats and umbrellas, to protect themselves from the sun.

“Also bring water to avoid dehydration,” said Cebu Provincial Election Supervisor Lionel Marco Castillano.

Castillano urged voters to be patient as some precincts could be crowded.

He also reminded voters 15 to 30 not to mix up their ballots or these will be invalidated.

Voters ages 15 to 30 will cast their votes twice, one for barangay officials and one for the SK.

If they place the wrong names on the ballot, their votes could be declared as invalid, Castillano said.

Comelec 7 Director Atty. Veronico Petalcorin also reminded voters to avoid erasures, write legibly on the ballots, and not be hostile if their bets will lose.

“You have to be really careful when writing the names of your bets, don’t add unnecessary monikers or tag names, or else your votes will be discounted. The people should also remember that the elections is a community-activity. There is no need to be cold and harsh, you just have to remain calm,” he told SunStar Cebu.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Petalcorin said there was no report of lacking ballots or any other concern from members of the electoral board. (JKV, RTF)