ILOILO CITY – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) initiated its automated counting machine (ACM) roadshow and demonstration in Iloilo City on Monday, marking the start of a nationwide effort to prepare for the 2025 midterm elections. The event, held at Iloilo City National High School in Molo District, drew representatives from four local villages.
The roadshow, which will continue until January 31, 2025, is designed to educate voters about the ACM technology. Regional Election Director Dennis Ausan emphasized the importance of the roadshow in addressing public curiosity and questions about the electoral process’s automation. He noted that automated elections have been in place since 2010 and will continue on May 12, 2025.
Ausan explained that after the roadshow, the machines will be returned to a warehouse in Laguna for reconfiguration. A total of 101 ACMs are being used across Western Visayas, including Panay, Guimaras, and the regional Comelec office. He highlighted enhancements to the machines, which now include faster scanning, automatic receipt cutting, and immediate result transmission capabilities.
The ACM features a 14-inch adjustable touchscreen and a privacy screen, designed to be user-friendly. Iloilo City Election Officer Pinky Tentativa mentioned that voters will receive a single ballot, which the machine can read accurately even if only 15% shaded.
Following the briefing, attendees had the opportunity to test the machines. Election observer Ruben Gamala from the National Citizens Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) praised the simplicity and speed of the process. Local councilor Susanne Mates from Barangay Poblacion Molo also found the machine easy to use and more comfortable than in previous elections.
Ausan also announced new voting policies for 2025, including early voting from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. and mall voting options for vulnerable sectors, aimed at enhancing accessibility.