LONG queues welcomed voters in different voting centers in the country on Election Day, May 9, 2022.

As early as the opening of voting centers at 6 a.m. Monday, May 9, long lines to the polling precincts have started building up as posted by several netizens on their respective social media accounts.

Some voters reportedly withstood up to two hours of waiting time to cast their votes.

Unlike in other areas in the country where long lines were caused by faulty VCRs, the situation in Pampanga was reportedly only due to large turnout of voters in the province.

Only one incident of faulty VCR in a polling precinct in Barangay San Pablo, Sta. Ana town was also reported in the province.

Early birds

Meanwhile, several local candidates cast their votes early Monday morning.

Among the early bird voters were former President and unopposed second district Representative candidate, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, re-electionist Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin, his challenger term-ending Councilor Amos River, re-electionist Mabalacat City Mayor Cris Garbo, City of San Fernando mayoralty candidate Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, board member wannabe Raquel “Ate Kay” Pineda, and unopposed Apalit Mayor Oscar “Jun” Tetangco Jr.

According to Comelec, there are some 1.58 million Kapampangan voters who are expected to vote during the 2022 national and local elections.