In a significant outreach effort, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Oriental has successfully engaged approximately 80% of the province’s registered voters through its ongoing automated counting machine (ACM) roadshow and demonstration. The initiative, which is set to conclude on January 31, 2025, has been a pivotal part of voter education ahead of the upcoming elections on May 12.
Atty. Lionel Marco Castillano, Director of Comelec-Negros Island Region, expressed satisfaction with the turnout, acknowledging that while reaching every barangay was not feasible due to safety and logistical issues, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. The roadshow has not only visited nearly every barangay and clustered barangays but has also extended to schools, government offices, detention centers, and various other institutions across the province.
This marks the first instance where vote counting machines have been showcased across all cities and municipalities in Negros Oriental, providing voters with a hands-on opportunity to understand the new ACM technology. Previously, the region had only two machines available for a month-long voter education campaign, highlighting the scale and importance of the current roadshow.
With 978,643 registered voters spread across 557 barangays, the impact of the ACM roadshow is significant, ensuring that a large majority of the voting population is well-informed and prepared for the upcoming electoral process.