By Xander Ledesma
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Negros Island Region (NIR) is calling on voters to participate in a roadshow caravan starting December 2 to familiarize themselves with the new features of automated vote-counting machines (ACMs) that will be used in the May 2025 elections.
Comelec-NIR Executive Director Lionel Marco Castillano emphasized the importance of voter engagement during the demonstrations to ensure a smooth voting process. “Familiarity with the machines is crucial. Voters who are unaware of the system could inadvertently slow down the voting process,” Castillano said on Friday.
The ACMs, along with ballots and ballot receptacles for the demonstrations, were distributed to various towns and cities in Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental. Siquijor is set to receive its machines on Saturday due to logistical requirements for shipping from Dumaguete City.
Election officers and their assistants will undergo refresher training on Saturday to prepare for the roadshow caravan, which will run until January 30, 2025. The caravan will include stops at barangays, schools, and other institutions to maximize voter education efforts.
The Comelec hopes the initiative will enhance voter readiness and efficiency on election day while showcasing the enhanced features of the ACMs, designed to streamline and secure the voting process.