Over 260 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in Brooke’s Point, Palawan are preparing to cast their votes using automated counting machines (ACMs) in the upcoming 2025 National and Local Elections.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) led an ACM roadshow to educate 268 PDLs on the voting process.

Participants learned how to shade their ballots, the number of candidates they can vote for in each position, and even operated the machines to familiarize themselves with the system.

BJMP Mimaropa Information Officer Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo said it is important to bridge technological gaps and foster transparency in the electoral process.

“The goal of the voter education is to allow members of the jail community to familiarize themselves with the new technology,” Anglo said.

“To ensure they understand how to properly use the machine, and to reinforce the importance of exercising their right and responsibility to vote,” he added.

He said roadshows strengthen partnerships between different sectors and build voter confidence and awareness.

Both BJMP and COMELEC assured the public that they are taking steps to ensure a smooth and peaceful election day in Special Polling Precincts (SPPs) within jail facilities.

(with reports from JO3 Joefrie Anglo, IO-BJMP MIMAROPA)