PERSONS deprived of liberty (PDLs) and jail personnel were given a chance to familiarize themselves with the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) automated counting machines (ACMs) through a special demonstration organized by local election officers of Mandaue City.
Jacqueline Reuyan, election assistant of Comelec Mandaue, said Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, that around 865 registered PDL voters from the male jail dormitory and five jail personnel participated in the activity.
The demonstration was conducted following a request from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to orient voters inside the facility with the ACMs and the voting process ahead of the elections in May.
“The demonstration included a live voting simulation, where PDLs and BJMP personnel took part in practicing how to shade, cast and verify their ballots using the ACM,” said Reuyan in Cebuano.
To ensure understanding, the roadshow included a lecture on the machines’ features, the step-by-step voting procedure and the significance of secure ballot handling.
Reuyan said that some PDLs and jail personnel were randomly selected to simulate the voting process by casting test ballots.
Reuyan added that although the male dormitory has 865 registered voters, the jail facility does not qualify to house an ACM since the machines are only allocated to precincts with at least 1,000 registered voters.
“Since they did not meet the required number, those eligible PDLs who are released before election day will vote in their respective barangays, where they are registered. They will need to present their release orders,” she said.
For those still detained during the elections, their ballots will be securely transported to the designated precinct where they are registered.
Reuyan clarified that the ballots will only be processed in the polling center of their registered precincts and not inside the jail facility.
“The ballots must be returned to the precinct from which they were issued. This process will be managed by support staff to ensure proper handling,” she added.
Roadshow
Meanwhile, a similar roadshow for the female dormitory is scheduled for Jan. 30, targeting its 96 registered voters.
Reuyan said Comelec has already completed ACM demonstrations in all 27 barangays of Mandaue City, concluding the roadshow last Saturday, Jan. 25.
However, officials will revisit Barangay Paknaan on Jan. 28 to accommodate additional participants.
Reuyan said the Comelec emphasized the importance of these roadshows in fostering awareness and confidence in the electoral process, especially for first-time voters and those in marginalized sectors.
All ACMs used for demonstrations will be recalled and returned to Comelec’s central office in Manila on Feb. 1.
“The commission assured the public of the integrity of the machines and the process, highlighting their commitment to a fair and transparent election,” said Reuyan.
The nationwide ACM roadshow, which started on Dec. 2, will run until Jan. 30.
Comelec is also calling on residents to attend and actively participate in the ACM simulation for them to get acquainted with the voting process. / CAV