By Michelle Ducut
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) conducted an Automated Counting Machine (ACM) Roadshow in Angeles City on Tuesday, December 17, to promote awareness and confidence in the country’s automated electoral system ahead of the May 2025 National and Local Elections.
Led by City Election Officer Atty. Charmaine Casquejo, the event aimed to address public concerns about the automated voting process, including issues of glitches and tampering, which have previously raised doubts about the credibility of election results. Casquejo explained that fostering transparency, voter education, and collaboration are central goals of the roadshow.
During the event, members of the Central Luzon Media Association – Pampanga were given a demonstration of the voting process using the Automated Counting Machines. Casquejo emphasized that addressing technological gaps is essential to ensuring voter participation across all demographics, especially in rural and marginalized areas where digital access remains a challenge.
The roadshow also served as a platform to highlight the importance of cooperation among government agencies, private businesses, and the media in achieving credible and transparent elections. Casquejo described the initiative as an opportunity to strengthen public trust in the electoral process while laying the groundwork for a fair and secure election in 2025.