DAVAO CITY(May 7) – The final testing and sealing of Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) was conducted on Monday, May 6, across voting centers in all three districts of Davao City in preparation for the May 12 midterm elections.
At Catalunan Grande Elementary School in the First District, members of the Electoral Board thoroughly inspected the ACMs and election paraphernalia before beginning the testing process. Watchers were also present during the procedure.
According to the Electoral Board, the testing was generally smooth, with only minor glitches encountered. The process ensures that all machines and materials are functional and free from defects.
Once verified, the ACMs are sealed and secured at the office of the Department of Education Supervisor Official (DESO), where they will be guarded by police and military personnel until election day.
Electoral Board Chairperson Josefina Amada acknowledged that while some are still adjusting to the technology, the machines are more user-friendly compared to past versions. “It’s easier now than before. Of course, there are still slight difficulties, especially when parts are stiff, but overall, it runs smoothly and safely,” she said.
Ten registered voters were allowed to participate in the final testing at each voting center. These volunteers cast mock ballots and then manually counted their votes to compare results with the ACM printouts.
First-time voter Kyle Nicole Aubrey Bustos from Catalunan Grande joined the testing and shared her experience. “As a first-time voter, it was very exciting and a bit thrilling. I observed several rules we need to follow like avoiding overvotes. The machine I used was clear, with no cracks, and the diagnostics ran properly—unlike what I heard from others where machines had issues. This one worked well,” she said.
Voting will start early on May 12. Pregnant women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and senior citizens will be accommodated from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., followed by regular voting hours from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Voter lists are now posted outside polling places along with information on clustered precincts to guide voters.
According to reports, Davao City will use a total of 1,173 ACMs during the elections:
- 418 machines in the First District
- 385 in the Second District
- 370 in the Third District
Authorities expect the elections to proceed smoothly and peacefully across the city.
