#SeeEverySide of #NLE2019 on Twitter

The Philippine Midterm Election is happening in less than a week. While many Filipinos might have completed their list of senatorial and local bets, others are still undecided who to root for during #NLE2019. Whether it’s one or another, Twitter is the go-to platform for real-time and relevant political discussions where people can engage with each other and #SeeEverySide of the story. With the platform’s public nature, Filipinos have access to diverse opinions that will deepen their understanding and knowledge regarding key issues and senatorial candidates.

Here are simple ways on how you can #SeeEverySide of #NLE2019:

• Follow accounts of candidates and partylists

The candidates, especially the senatoriables, recognize that they can’t miss out on the number of Filipino voters on Twitter. The platform allows them to know as well as engage their constituents and explain the issues/advocacies that they represent. You can find the list of senatorial candidates’ Twitter account here.

First-time voter for national candidates, Mycah Moleño said she would vote for candidates who have specific plans to provide easier access to basic services, especially on health and education: Simple lang naman basta kayang gampanan ang kailangan ng tao. #Halalan2019 pic.twitter.com/7DFDwTkxE4

— Kevin Manalo (@kevinmanalo_) May 3, 2019

Thank you for such initiative cidee! Also for the prev feminist talks na inoorganize nyo huhu

— Ho ⚙🌾🌏🔬📚📈 (@hh0mie) March 31, 2019

• Follow trusted accounts that cover the election, including the Commission on Elections (@COMELEC)

Twitter has been the platform for real-time news. Keeping track of the latest developments on the election gives Tweeps a wider understanding of the relevant issues. This can help Filipinos gauge the candidates on where they stand on public matters. Fact-checking and voters’ education are also key concerns for the public. Twitter consolidated news outlets’ accounts that Tweeps can follow is available here.

#AlamMoBa: 5 araw na lang bago ang halalan! #NakapiliKaNaBa? pic.twitter.com/YbQk627JoY

— COMELEC (@COMELEC) May 8, 2019

• Be sure to turn on your Twitter notifications, so you would never miss an update from the accounts or conversations you follow.

To adjust push notifications:

1. In the top menu, tap your profile icon.
2. Select Settings and privacy.
3. Tap Notifications, then tap Push notifications and select which types of notifications you would like to receive.

To view Tweet notifications from accounts you follow:

1. In the top menu, tap your profile icon.
2. Select Settings and privacy.
3. Tap Notifications, then tap Push notifications.
4. Tap Tweets.

• Make use of the Lists feature on Twitter

Enable your notifications and subscribe to public lists to find curated topics and updates about the upcoming elections. You may also create your own list to organize the way you follow Tweets and accounts. The complete guide on how to use Twitter Lists is available here.

To help you get started, here are the steps on how to create or follow Twitter lists:

How to create a List

1. Click on your profile icon to show the dropdown menu.
2. Click on Lists.
3. Click Create new List.
4. Select a name for your List, and a short description of the List. List names cannot exceed 25 characters, nor can they begin with a number. Then select if you want the List to be private (only accessible to you) or public (anyone can subscribe to the List).
5. Click Save List.

How to subscribe to/follow other people’s Lists

1. Click or tap Lists when viewing someone’s profile.
2. Select which List you’d like to subscribe to.
3. From the List page, click or tap Subscribe to follow the List. You can follow Lists without following the individual accounts in that List.

• Use Hashtags to quickly search the election updates and trending issues

#NLE2019, #AlamMoBa and #NakapiliKaNaBa are the official hashtags the Commission on Elections (@COMELEC) use in their information campaign about the elections and the electoral process. With the help of these hashtags, Tweeps can keep track of the latest developments on the elections – ensuring that no one gets left behind. Other related hashtags include #PHVote, #Eleksyon2019 and #Halalan2019.

Twitter allows first-time voters to gain awareness and jumpstart their voting journey. Twitter is a free space, anyone can pitch in to provide knowledgeable advice, education, and information on how to vote wisely. Filipinos can actively listen or express their own stance as well as connect to issues closest to their views. Additionally, the platform also continuously doubles its effort in helping curb election manipulation and interference.

Filipinos enjoy their right to free expression and Tweeps exercise this, especially this election season through the platform. Here’s a snippet of the conversation that happens on Twitter.