First-time voter? Here's what you need to know

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has been conducting automated counting machine (ACM) demonstrations and roadshows nationwide as part of its efforts to educate the public ahead of the midterm polls.

Developed by South Korean firm Miru Systems, the ACMs that will be used for the first time in May come with several advanced features designed to improve the voting experience.

These include a ballot recasting option that allows voters to change their votes if necessary, a touchscreen interface for easier navigation, and a QR code scanner to enhance ballot verification and transparency.

The ACMs also feature a 14-inch touchscreen, sensors, a scanner, a printer, a camera, USB ports, an external keypad, and a voter's receipt receptacle.

To further allow voters to practice casting their votes in ACMs, the Comelec announced that it has opened ACM Voting Experience.

There are four slots available each day, divided into four sessions: 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Those interested can reserve their slots here before heading to the Election Resource Center in Intramuros, Manila.