For the upcoming May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will introduce a new system to make voting faster, more accurate, and more transparent.
The Automated Counting Machine (ACM), developed by Miru Systems, will officially replace the older Smartmatic vote-counting machines used in previous Philippine elections.
This upgrade aims to give voters a smoother and more trustworthy election experience.
If you plan to vote or work in the elections, it’s important to know how these new machines work and why they matter.
Purpose of the COMELEC ACM
The ACM was introduced to:
- Speed up the ballot counting process
- Improve election result accuracy
- Allow better verification of votes by the public
- Enhance voter trust by combining both digital and manual checks
This system is part of COMELEC’s broader efforts to ensure a cleaner, faster, and fairer election.
For more background on COMELEC’s recent election reforms, you may also want to check COMELEC Resolution No. 11056: Key Rules for the 2025 Elections.
Key Features of the COMELEC ACM
Here’s what makes the ACM different and better than previous systems:
- Hybrid Voting System
The ACM combines automated counting with manual verification.
After you cast your vote, the machine processes your ballot but also allows election officials and watchers to cross-check the results manually if needed.
This system strengthens transparency and helps prevent doubts about election cheating.
- Faster Ballot Processing
These machines can scan ballots at an impressive speed of 220 millimeters per second.
Compared to older machines, the ACM can process more votes faster, reducing long lines and waiting times during election day.
- Thinner but Durable Ballot Paper
The new ballots use 90 GSM paper.
This paper is thinner than what was used before but still durable enough to avoid tearing.
It also prevents ink bleeding, which makes ballot marks clearer and easier for the machines to read.
- Voter Verification Screen
Before submitting your ballot, the ACM will display a summary of your chosen candidates on a built-in screen.
This gives you a last chance to review your selections and confirm they are correct.
This feature greatly reduces voter mistakes and ensures your true vote is recorded.
- QR Code on Receipts
After voting, a QR code is printed on the voter’s receipt.
Election workers can scan this QR code using built-in readers to quickly verify and match the recorded votes with the electronic count.
This added security measure ensures that any tampering would be easy to detect.
Deployment Updates: Where Are the ACMs Now?
The deployment of ACMs across the Philippines is already underway:
- Negros Oriental has received 1,289 ACM units to prepare for the elections.
- Iloilo City received 417 ACM units, with final testing scheduled for May 7, 2025.
In addition:
- COMELEC Chairperson Garcia will lead a forum in Davao City to explain ACM operations to election officials and the public.
If you want to stay updated on other election activities and important deadlines, you can also check COMELEC Resolution No. 10999: What Voters and Candidates Must Know Now.
Why the New ACMs Matter for Voters
The COMELEC ACMs are designed not just for speed, but also for transparency and accountability.
Here’s why they matter:
- Faster voting experience — fewer delays at polling stations.
- Better ballot accuracy — prevents misreading and reduces human error.
- Enhanced voter confidence — you can verify your vote before submitting it.
- Greater election security — manual and digital verification systems work together.
By using the ACMs, COMELEC aims to raise the standard for elections across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the COMELEC ACM?
It’s the new Automated Counting Machine used for counting and verifying votes in the 2025 elections. - How is it different from Smartmatic’s old machines?
The ACM is faster, uses hybrid manual-automated checks, and has voter verification screens. - Where are the ACMs currently deployed?
ACMs have been delivered to Negros Oriental and Iloilo City, with more deliveries ongoing. - Is my vote safer with the ACM?
Yes, because you can double-check your ballot before final submission and your receipt has a QR code for verification.
Video: Voter Education and Automated Counting Machine (ACM) Demonstration
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) conducted a Voter Education and Automated Counting Machine (ACM) Demonstration on April 21, 2025, at the Pilar Hidalgo Lim Auditorium of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines in Manila. This event aimed to educate voters on the use of ACMs, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the upcoming elections. The demonstration was part of COMELEC’s broader efforts to familiarize the public with the automated voting process, addressing concerns about accuracy and security. Similar events have been held in other locations, including Philippine Normal University and Asia Pacific College.
Conclusion
The new COMELEC Automated Counting Machines represent a major step forward for Philippine elections.
They combine speed, transparency, and accuracy—giving every voter greater confidence that their voice will be counted properly.
As the 2025 elections approach, learning how the ACMs work is a simple but powerful way you can help protect the integrity of our democracy.
Vote wisely, vote confidently, and let’s all support cleaner and faster elections.