The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is considering a policy change that would validate ballot marks meeting a 15 percent threshold, aiming to ensure each vote counts in the upcoming May 2025 polls.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia announced the proposal on Tuesday during a demonstration of the automated election system at Palacio del Gobernador. Garcia emphasized the importance of voter intent, stating, “No voter should be disenfranchised.”
While the new vote-counting machines can detect various markings, including check marks, Garcia reminded voters to shade their ballots fully, as shading is still the preferred marking method. The policy, pending approval by the Comelec en banc in its upcoming session on October 30, seeks to improve vote accuracy without discouraging proper ballot shading.
