CEBU CITY — To ensure a smooth election process in the May 2025 midterm elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) introduced and demonstrated the automatic counting machine (ACM) at the main campus of Cebu Normal University (CNU).

Approximately 1,600 students, faculty and administrative officials attended the voter awareness campaign event held at the university on Friday, marking a step forward in regional voter education and participation.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia assured participants that ACM is a secure and hack-free system.

He added that the new ACMs are designed to be accessible to all voters, including those in vulnerable sectors.

Comelec spokesman Rex Laudiangco added that the ACM operates as a standalone unit capable only of transmitting data without any receiving capabilities.

The machine reads ballots in three seconds and has a 14-inch touchscreen that allows voters to review their choices. It also has a battery that lasts up to 14 hours when unplugged.

In addition, Garcia outlined other Comelec initiatives for the 2025 elections, such as mall voting in areas near malls and online voting for Filipinos abroad, eliminating the need to visit embassies.

He encouraged participants to embrace democracy through modern technology and announced early voting options for people with disabilities, seniors and pregnant voters on May 12 from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.

CNU and Comelec strengthened their collaboration with a memorandum of understanding that highlights their partnership in improving election awareness and the electoral process.

Additionally, CNU President Daniel Ariaso Sr. In his speech, he expressed pride in the university’s participation in new voting technology. He underlined the importance of ensuring the integrity and sanctity of the 2025 elections.

“Remember that elections shape what the future of our country will be like.” He added that this participation will promote clean, honest elections.

Ariaso was the first person to experience the automatic machine during the CNU Center for Ideas and Information election awareness campaign. After his hearing, he described his voting experience as enjoyable, seamless and hassle-free.

The event was organized by CNU’s College of Public Governance and Security, the Public Administration Undergraduate Students Organization, and the Young Philippine Public Administration Society-Central Visayas Chapter in partnership with the Comelec.