The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Pangasinan is set to kick off a roadshow on December 2, showcasing the new automated counting machines (ACMs) that will be used in the upcoming May 12, 2025 elections. The initiative, which follows a successful demonstration day held at the People’s Astrodome in Dagupan City, aims to familiarize voters with the new technology across the province’s 48 towns and cities.
Ericson Oganiza, the election supervisor for Comelec Pangasinan, confirmed that all 48 ACMs, one allocated per town or city, have been delivered from the central office. The roadshow will allow the public to interact with the machines, which are being introduced for the first time in the region. Oganiza emphasized the importance of a robust information drive to encourage community participation, stating that a well-executed campaign could draw significant crowds eager to experience the new voting system.
The ACMs, rented from a South Korean company, are equipped with batteries that last up to 14 hours. These machines can process ballots in just three seconds and tally election results in 15 to 20 minutes. They are also capable of printing nine copies of the results for distribution among government agencies, media, and non-government organizations acting as poll watchers. Additionally, the machines feature a touchscreen display that allows voters to verify their votes.
Comelec has assured the public that the voting process is secure and protected against hacking, as the machines do not require an internet connection during vote casting. Oganiza encouraged residents to stay informed about the roadshow schedules in their areas, highlighting the importance of voter education and engagement.
With over 2.17 million registered voters in Pangasinan, the roadshow is a critical step in preparing the electorate for the new voting technology. The initiative will run for a maximum of 60 days, with machines being redistributed to larger towns with more villages if smaller areas complete their demonstrations early.