Voting can be done in 50 seconds, says Comelec chair

Comelec chair George Erwin Garcia. —INQUIRER.net file photo/Ryan Leagogo

MANILA, Philippines — Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair George Erwin Garcia on Saturday led a time-and-motion simulation of the new automated counting machines (ACMs) that will be used in next year’s midterm polls.

Several ACMs were brought to the Manuel Araullo High School in Ermita, Manila, where mock precincts were set up and volunteers cast ballots using the new ACMs to determine the average time of voting and monitor other concerns.

READ: Comelec OKs hardware modifications in automated counting machines

Garcia told reporters that the simulation study results would be considered in the general instructions for the boards of election inspectors on election day that the poll body will come out with soon.

While there is no time limit for voting, Garcia said he thinks it could be done from 30 to 50 seconds.

Ballot review

With the new ACM, an image of the ballot will be flashed on the screen where the voter may review and verify how the machine will read the ballot. Garcia said the time limit for the ballot review will still be determined.

In previous elections, 10 voters at a time were allowed in a precinct. The Comelec also designated more than 3,000 emergency accessible polling precincts for the disabled, elderly and pregnant voters where they can vote earlier.

The Comelec is also looking into implementing voting in malls to provide convenience to voters amid the expected summer heat in May 2025.