When election day arrives, you want to feel confident that your vote counts and that the process is smooth and secure.
COMELEC’s Automated Election System (AES), designed for the upcoming 2025 elections in the Philippines, is here to make voting easy, efficient, and accurate.
Whether you’re a first-time voter or a seasoned participant, this system eliminates the guesswork and guarantees that your choices are accurately recorded.
It’s designed for you—the voter—to experience a hassle-free election, with no additional cost to you.
From marking your ballot to seeing your vote tallied electronically, the AES simplifies democracy.
What Is the Automated Election System?
The AES is a technology-driven system that automates key parts of the voting process. This includes casting votes, counting ballots, transmitting results, and auditing election outcomes.
Using advanced Automated Counting Machines (ACMs), the AES makes the process more transparent, quicker, and accurate from start to finish.
With voter confidence as a priority, it integrates safeguards like voter-verified receipts and encrypted transmissions.
Why the Automated Election System Matters
Think about past experiences with long lines and delayed results.
The AES is your answer to avoiding these frustrations.
Its automated processes reduce human error and speed up the vote-counting process.
Beyond convenience, it addresses a deeper need for secure and trustworthy elections.
How the Automated Election System Works
Step 1: Registration Verification
Before anything else, your registration is checked at the polling precinct. Bring a valid ID to confirm your identity and locate your designated voting area. If you’re unsure of your status, it’s a good idea to verify it online or at your local election office beforehand.
Step 2: Receiving Your Ballot
Once verified, you’ll be given a paper ballot and a marking pen. This ballot contains the names of candidates for various positions. Handle it carefully to avoid smudging or unnecessary marks.
Step 3: Casting Your Vote
Mark your choices by shading the ovals next to the names of your selected candidates. Make sure to stay within the allowed number of votes per position. This simple act ensures your preferences are clearly recorded.
Step 4: Inserting the Ballot
After filling out your ballot, insert it into the Automated Counting Machine (ACM). The machine will read your choices and tally your votes instantly. A screen will display confirmation that your ballot has been processed.
Step 5: Reviewing Your Voter Receipt
The ACM prints a voter-verified receipt showing your selections. Take a moment to confirm its accuracy before depositing it into the designated box. This step ensures your votes are recorded as intended.
What Makes the New ACMs Different?
The upcoming elections bring exciting updates to the Automated Counting Machines.
- With faster processing speeds, you’ll spend less time in line and more time enjoying your day.
- Thinner ballots prevent ink bleed-through, making your marks more legible.
- Additionally, large screens will display your choices, giving you peace of mind that your vote was counted correctly.
- QR codes on receipts provide an added layer of verification, allowing for secure audits if needed.
Transparency and Security
The AES isn’t just about speed; it’s about trust.
Digital signatures and encrypted data transmission safeguard results from tampering.
Random manual audits compare machine tallies with hand counts to verify accuracy. Every safeguard is designed with your confidence in mind.
What Happens if You Make a Mistake?
It’s natural to worry about errors on your ballot.
If this happens, notify the election staff immediately.
They can void your incorrect ballot and issue a new one.
Remember, there’s a limit to how many replacements you can request, so double-check your work.
Voter Accessibility
The AES accommodates voters with disabilities and special needs.
Accessible polling areas and trained staff ensure that everyone can participate independently.
If you need assistance, simply inform the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) when you arrive.
Your Role in a Transparent Election
Transparency starts with you. By reviewing your voter receipt and following the process carefully, you contribute to an honest election. Encourage others to understand the system, too, so they can vote with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AES Secure?
Yes, the AES includes multiple security measures, from encrypted transmissions to voter-verified receipts. Its design prevents tampering and ensures accurate results.
Can I Verify My Choices After Voting?
Absolutely. The voter-verified receipt allows you to confirm that your selections were recorded correctly. If you spot any issues, notify the BEI right away.
What If the Machine Malfunctions?
Election staff are trained to handle technical issues promptly. Back-up procedures ensure your vote will still be counted accurately.
Preparing for Election Day
Being prepared makes all the difference. Double-check your voter registration and know your precinct location. Familiarize yourself with the process so you can vote confidently and efficiently. Bring a valid ID and follow the guidelines to ensure a smooth experience.
Video: VOTER EDUCATION AND AUTOMATED COUNTING MACHINE (ACM) DEMONSTRATION
To familiarize voters with the new Automated Counting Machines, COMELEC’s Education and Information Department has been conducting demonstrations. These events showcase how to use the ACM, including inserting ballots, verifying votes, and handling voter receipts. The goal is to make the voting process straightforward and approachable for all.
Starting December 2, roadshows in barangays will introduce the ACM, offering hands-on opportunities to learn. This proactive approach ensures that voters, especially seniors and first-time participants, feel confident on election day. By engaging with these events, you can see firsthand how the system works, reinforcing its reliability and user-friendly design.
Recent Updates
Ensuring Clean and Transparent Elections: Comelec Extends Source Code Review
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) extended the review of local source codes for the 2025 elections.
This important step aims to guarantee transparency and build public confidence in the electoral process.
The review, now set to conclude in January 2025, involves a thorough examination of the systems.
University students were invited to participate, further promoting openness and accountability.
This commitment to transparency strengthens the integrity of the upcoming elections. (GMA News Online)
COMELEC Prepares for a Landmark 2025 Election Year
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has been gearing up for what is being dubbed as the “super election year” of 2025, with three major electoral events scheduled to take place.
COMELEC recently received the final batch of 110,000 new Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) for use in the May elections.
These machines, supplied by South Korea’s Miru Systems Inc., will introduce upgraded technology such as ballot scanning, touchscreen interfaces, and features designed to streamline the voting process.
Each ACM is equipped with privacy screens, voter receipt output trays, and QR code scanners to facilitate secure and efficient ballot handling.
For the first time, transparency servers have been replaced with Secure Electronic Transmission Services (SETs), ensuring data reconciliation directly from machines to multiple authorized servers.
Early voting hours have been expanded, offering exclusive time slots from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women.
COMELEC is also exploring mall voting, following its success during pilot tests, to provide more accessible and convenient voting options.
Filipino voters abroad will have access to internet-based voting, eliminating the need to visit embassies in participating countries.
Another major innovation is the inclusion of voter photos on precinct lists to enhance verification speed, approved under strict privacy safeguards.
COMELEC has launched an educational caravan to familiarize voters with the new ACMs and the voting process, focusing on clarity and user-friendly practices.
This year’s elections will also feature enhanced transparency through the publication of candidates’ certificates of candidacy on the official COMELEC website, empowering the public to assess candidates thoroughly.
To curb misinformation and fake news, candidates must now register their official social media accounts with COMELEC, marking a proactive approach to digital campaigning.
With these efforts, COMELEC is setting the stage for a modernized, inclusive, and reliable electoral experience for every voter in 2025. (GMA News Online)
Final Thoughts
Your vote is your voice, and the Automated Election System makes sure that voice is heard clearly and securely.
By understanding how the system works and trusting its safeguards, you can approach election day with confidence.
Embrace the opportunity to participate in a process that’s tailored with you in mind.
From convenience to accuracy, the AES is here to make your voting experience seamless and empowering.