By Michelle Ducut
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has deployed 150 automated counting machines (ACMs) across the Bicol region to conduct roadshows and demonstrations, aiming to educate the public on the new voting technology ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.
Comelec-5 Regional Director Maria Juana Valeza announced on Monday that the roadshows will cover 3,471 barangays, targeting large schools, local government units, and government offices. The campaign began in December and will continue until January 2025.
“Our goal is to provide all sectors with the necessary information about the machine to ensure smooth and efficient voting in the upcoming elections,” Valeza said. She highlighted the machine’s new features, including a larger touchscreen display, a privacy screen, and enhanced accessibility for visually impaired voters.
The ACM also includes a physical ballot, a ballot image, and a receipt, all of which can be verified by voters to ensure accuracy. Valeza emphasized the importance of following instructions during the voting process to avoid technical issues.
To address connectivity challenges, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, Comelec is conducting an inventory of communication facilities and plans to deploy Starlink and GPS systems to polling precincts lacking internet access.
For the midterm elections scheduled on May 12, 2025, over 5,000 ACMs are expected to be distributed across the region, with one machine allocated per polling center. Comelec will also train approximately 30,000 electoral board members between February and April 2025 to ensure readiness.
During the nationwide roadshow kick-off at Bicol University in Legazpi City, media practitioners were invited to test the ACMs, simulating the voting process to verify the machine’s accuracy and efficiency. The machines, equipped with faster scanning speeds and automatic receipt-cutting, are designed to transmit results immediately after voting concludes.
This initiative underscores Comelec’s commitment to transparency and voter education, ensuring that all Bicolano voters are prepared to use the updated election technology.