As the 2010 national elections closes in on the country, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is racing against time to implement the automated election system and let the more than 40 million Filipino voters know how it will work. COMELEC is now making the initial steps in its voter information drive, with one activity happening recently at Adamson University.
COMELEC-NCR Director and AdU alumnus Atty. Michael Dioneda recently visited the campus to give a voter’s education seminar at the BA Multimedia Room last September 24, 2009. Atty. Dioneda explained in simpler terms the changes that happened in the electoral process, which included the changes in number of voters in a single precinct, new ballots to be used, and transmission of votes from precinct level to the national canvassing unit. A video showing how the new automated voting machines was also shown to familiarize voters on how their votes will now be cast and how it will be counted.
Atty. Dioneda faced a variety of concerns brought out by the audience in the ensuing open forum. Understandably, many questions came up as the audience strove to comprehend the new system which many hope will lead to a faster, cleaner, and more honest elections.
Guests from SMI-IC schools Philippine Christian University and De La Salle-College of St. Benilde came and actively participated in the seminar. Registration for new voters is currently on-going from Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at COMELEC offices until October 31. Yael Esperat
