The Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) office in the Negros Island Region (NIR) is encouraging the public to take part in its roadshow caravan to learn about the new features of the automated vote-counting machines (ACMs) ahead of next year’s elections.

The Comelec-NIR oversaw the arrival of the ACMs yesterday and promptly distributed them to various towns and cities in Negros Oriental.

Also included in the deliveries were ballots and ballot receptacles to be used in the demo.

“Negros Occidental received their ACMs the same day, while Siquijor will receive theirs on Saturday, [November 30], as they need to be shipped from Dumaguete City,” Comelec-NIR executive director Lionel Marco Castillano said.

He cited the importance of voters attending the demonstrations to gain firsthand experience with the new ACM features before the May 2025 elections.

Castillano noted that voters unfamiliar with the machines could inadvertently slow the voting process.

Additionally, he announced that refresher training for election officers and their assistants will take place on Saturday in preparation for the roadshow caravan, which starts on Monday.

The caravan will run from December 2 to January 30, 2025, with schedules being organized for various towns and cities to target barangays, schools, and other institutions, maximizing voter education efforts by Comelec. (PNA)