TACLOBAN CITY – At least 144 automated counting machines (ACM) have been deployed in all cities and towns in Eastern Visayas to help voters familiarize themselves with the voting process ahead of next year’s midterm elections.
During the demonstration’s kick-off on Monday, Comelec Assistant Regional Director Corazon Montallana said the roadshow, which aims to reach as many voters as possible nationwide, will run until Jan. 30, 2025.
“There is one machine for each city and town in the region for demonstrations in all villages. All will have the chance to see the demonstration and experience how the ACM works,” Montallana said.
The region has seven cities and 136 towns across six provinces. Another machine is also at the Comelec regional office here for demonstrations in government offices and the media.
There are also four to five contingency machines in six Comelec provincial offices in the region in case some ACMs meant for the roadshow fail.
The demonstration primarily aims to educate the voters on how to use the new automated counting machines and the voting process.
“These are new machines and tailored fit for the 2025 elections. These are fast and speedy, but voters must learn how to use it,” Montallana added.
Among the new features are an automatic receipt cutter in the machines, headphones and keypads for vulnerable sectors, and a 14-inch touch screen for voters to review their selections.
The ACM is capable of reading ballots in three seconds. The machine is powered by a battery that can last up to 14 hours when unplugged. (PNA)
