STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan (PIA) — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Pangasinan is taking proactive steps to ensure a smooth 2025 midterm elections by conducting a series of Automated Counting Machine (ACM) demonstrations in every barangay after the voters’ registration schedule.
“It will start in November 2024 and run until February 2025,” said Provincial Election Supervisor Marino Salas, emphasizing that it aims to familiarize voters with the new voting technology and ensure they are well-prepared for the upcoming elections.
The demonstrations seek to educate voters and address any concerns or questions about the new system to minimize potential technical issues that could arise during the voting day.
Salas said the exact number of ACMs required will be determined based on the project of precincts which is expected to be finalized a month after the registration period ends.
“Kapag natapos na namin ang project of precinct, malalaman na kung ilang polling o cluster precinct ang magagamit at kung ilang makina ang kakailanganin,” he added.
(Once we have completed the project of precinct, we will know how many polling or cluster precincts will be used and how many machines will be needed.)
The new ACM now has a larger screen, a 14-hour battery life, enhanced transparency features, and a more durable design.
The sample ballot insertion is easier, with receipts printed in three seconds, and election results can be processed within 15 to 20 minutes. Nine copies can be printed for various stakeholders.
Voters can review their votes on a touchscreen display, and all votes are secure from hacking since an internet connection is not required during voting.
Meanwhile, Salas strongly urged the public to take advantage of the Register Anywhere Program (RAP), available until Aug. 31, which allows registration at any RAP site regardless of residence. He emphasized the importance of registering now rather than waiting until the Sept. 30 deadline, highlighting that off-site registration opportunities have been conducted in malls, villages, and schools.
The Comelec-Pangasinan has exceeded its target of 100,000 registrants for this year’s midterm elections, with 123,000 voters now registered in the updated voters’ list.
“Mayroon pa tayong mahigit isang buwan, kaya inaasahan namin na aabot tayo sa 150,000,” he said.
(We still have more than a month, so we expect to reach 150,000.)
Pangasinan has a total of 2.1 million voters, with the Comelec updating the list by removing over 100,000 individuals who either failed to vote twice, are deceased, or have relocated. (MJTAB/JCDR/PIA Pangasinan)
