PREPARATIONS for the 2025 general elections are in full swing, with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Mandaue City ensuring that security measures are now in place and election personnel are being properly trained ahead of the polls.
A total of 271 ballot boxes, along with batteries for the Automated Counting Machines (ACMs), have arrived in Mandaue City as Comelec prepares for the elections on May 12.
The ballot boxes were shipped from the Comelec main office in Manila and were delivered to Mandaue on Thursday, March 20.
Automated voting
The ACMs, which are essential to the automated voting system, are expected to arrive separately, likely in the first week of May, said Comelec Mandaue Election Officer assistant Jacqueline Reuyan in an interview.
Due to limited space at the Comelec Mandaue office, officials decided to store the ballot boxes at the Mandaue City Hall grounds.
The area will be cordoned off to prevent unauthorized access and ensure security.
Simultaneous deployment
Meanwhile, the deployment of the ballot boxes to their respective precincts will be done simultaneously with the ACMs.
Comelec has not yet announced the exact date for this distribution.
However, the testing and sealing of the ACMs are scheduled to take place from May 2 to 7 in designated voting or polling centers.
This process is a standard procedure to ensure the machines are functioning properly before election day.
The ACMs will be directly received by the Comelec, while the City Treasurer’s Office will be responsible for handling the official ballots.
The Comelec has also started receiving other election materials, including thumbprint takers, secrecy folders, ballpens, appointment papers for the electoral board, and envelopes for election returns.
Training
Meanwhile, teachers who will serve as members of the electoral board are currently undergoing training.
After completing their training, they must take a three-day examination administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
The exam covers election procedures, ACM operations, and demonstration exercises.
According to Reuyan, only those who pass the DOST exam will be selected to serve in the electoral board.
“They need to pass because we will only select those who qualify. They must be IT-capable and ready to serve as poll clerks,” Reuyan said. / CAV