Government workers of Dumaguete City and the provincial government of Negros Oriental were the first to try out the automated counting machines (ACM) during the start of the Commission on Elections or Comelec’s roadshow and demonstration yesterday.

Lawyer Ian Macaraya, Dumaguete City election officer, told the Philippine News Agency that they conducted a demonstration and lecture on the ACM after the morning flag-raising rites at the city hall.

At least 25 city government workers were randomly picked to “cast their ballots” during the roadshow.

“We have a budget of 25 ballots for every barangay and other venues where the roadshow and demonstration will be held so we cannot accommodate everybody,” Macaraya said.

However, lectures on the features of the ACMs to be used in the May 2025 elections are also integrated into the activity.

The Comelec is also distributing flyers to the public so they can familiarize themselves with the automated voting process before next year’s polls.

On Tuesday, December 3, the Comelec will attend the regular city council session in Dumaguete for the same purpose.

Meanwhile, another demonstration and lecture on the ACMs was held at the Macias Sports Center here for provincial government officials and employees, with some of them trying their hands on the machines.

Negros Oriental received 25 ACMs or one for each local government unit and one contingency machine. (PNA)