Hundreds of students participated in a Voter Education and Registration Fair organized by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) at a university in Angeles City, Pampanga. 

The fair highlighted the advanced features of the new automated counting machines set to be used in the next elections.

One key upgrade is the introduction of a 14-inch monitor that allows voters to review their ballots before submission. 

The machines are also equipped with lithium batteries, ensuring a brownout-free operation for over 14 hours, and feature water and shock-proof casings to prevent damage.

“Compared dun sa dating machine nung 2022 national elections, mas convenient siyang gamitin,” Eduard Velasco, a student, said.

“Ako, bilang Gen Z, yung pinaka-favorite ko is yung screen na pwede mo siyang i-touch and then makikita mo lahat ng binoto mo,” Velasco added.

The new machines also include a Transparency Audited Count feature, which will aid in tallying votes and transmitting election returns.

The fair also included on-site voter registration for students. 

According to COMELEC, there are currently 65.9 million registered voters in the Philippines, falling short of the projected 70 million. 

In response, they are intensifying registration efforts at malls and barangays before the September 30, 2024 deadline.

“Ginagawa namin [lahat], lumalabas tayo kung saan madaming tao; nagtatrabaho, nag-aaral, [at] dinadala natin dun ‘yung registration,” tty. George Erwin Garcia, COMELEC Chairman, said.

“Naniniwala tayo diyan na kulang lang talaga sila sa panahon… kaya inilapit na natin ang registration,” Garcia added.

Garcia also urged 5.2 million deactivated voters to reactivate their registrations after missing two consecutive elections. 

He confirmed that no extensions will be given beyond December 2024, and ballot printing will begin in the first week of January 2025.

“Kapag po midterm elections, huwag naman po nating sanayin na hindi po tayo boboto, kasi yung average kapag midterm nasa 65 to 70 percent lang. sana kahit 80 percent sa darating na local election,” Garcia said.

COMELEC encourages everyone to register early and not wait until the last day to ensure they can exercise their right to vote in the upcoming elections.