Comelec holds sneak preview how voting will be held in May

 

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Juan Andres Bautista on Saturday led a walk-through demonstration on how the voting process will be in the May 9 national and local elections.

 

A mock set up of a voting center was put up at the Pura V. Kalaw Elementatry School in P. Tuazon St., Cubao, Quezon City.

 

.@COMELEC, nagsagawa ng mock election sa Pura Kalaw Elementary School sa Quezon City. | via @luisitosantos03 pic.twitter.com/KHVYlbFKBO

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) February 6, 2016

 

"We want voters to experience first hand what to expect on May 9, 2016. We are doing our best to improve the voting experience in public schools where the larger public will be trooping to vote, while we also continue to iron details of mall voting," he said.

 

The signages include posters that illustrate steps and general reminders regarding voting and the accessibility features of the voting center.

 

There are also directional signs to important locations such as the voter's and legal help desks and where people should go before and after voting.

 

"We believe that the voters' trust in our democracy is hinged on the transparency and credibility of our elections and that the voting center is the primary arena for change. We want to have better organized polling places so we can minimize confusion and long queues. If people know what to expect on Election Day, its easy for them to spot irregularities, if any, report the same to us immediately via our hotline and/or helpdesks," Bautista added.

 

Election Officer Eric Santos lauded the holding of the mock setup in his district, noting that it would give them the chance to identify possible problems and how to address them.

 

"Natutuwa kami at sa distrito namin ginawa itong mock setup dahil nabigyan an ang mga botante dito ng pagkaklataong makita ang improvements sa ating voting centers sa darating na halalan. Mahalaga na may live simulation ng election day para makita namin kung ano pa ang maaaring ayusin sa ating signages at idagdag sa ating mga paghahanda para sa halalan," he added.

 

The Comelec is considering replicating the activity in other parts of the country in the coming weeks. After which formal instruction guides will be made available online that can be downloaded by Comelec field personnel. — APG, GMA News