‘Smoother election process expected with new Automated Counting Machines’ – COMELEC-Kalinga

Tabuk City, Kalinga - As the 2025 election draws near, the provincial Commission on Elections, is taking steps to enhance its voting system with the utilization of new Automated Counting Machines (ACMs).

The ACM is designed to minimize human error in vote counting. With the machine, the time to wait for election results will be greatly reduced.

There is also a QR code on the voter receipt in case voters want to double-check their votes such as if the input in the machine matches with what they penciled on the physical ballot.

To ensure a smooth transition to the new system, election personnel should be trained first on the features of ACM; thus, the Commission on Elections—Kalinga conducted the demonstration of the ACM on Monday, September 16, at the Kalinga State University.

The demo was participated in by students and teachers of KSU, headed by COMELEC-Kalinga Spokesperson and Education and Information Department Director Rex Laudiangco.

During the activity, a mock voting was concluded for them to experience the ACM's features. Students and teachers were able to review their ballot after it has been fed into the machine.

Kalinga, according to Laudiangco, is the first province in Luzon to where the actual machine and ballot instead of the test equipment were used for the demo.

Addressing challenges

Though the machine is an important advancement to the election process in Kalinga, it also comes with challenges that include the possibility of technical failings.

Thus, the commission must ensure proper deployment and maintenance of the machines throughout the election period to avoid interruptions on election day.