By Ferdinand G. Patinio
MANILA, July 29 (PNA) — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) urged the public to join their online survey on the proposed voting in malls for the May 9, 2016 elections.
Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez said they want the opinion of the people on the putting up of voting precincts in shopping malls.
“Are you in favor of mall voting? Let us know what you think! Take the survey. It’ll help us collate your answers,” he said in his Twitter account, @jabjimenez.
In the survey, the poll body asked five questions such as, “What do you think of the plan to put polling places in malls instead of public schools?”; “What would make you change your mind?”; “What would make your voting experience more pleasant and meaningful?”; “What would encourage you to go out and vote on Election Day?”; and “Are you willing to give mall voting a try?”.
It can be accessed at www.comelec.gov.ph/?r=Archives/RegularElections/2016NLE/OnlineSurveyforMallVoting orwww.electionsphl.com/participate/mall-voting/.
Jimenez said the survey will run for about three weeks.
Under the proposal, the poll body is planning establish polling precincts in select malls, which are adjacent to voting centers, in Metro Manila and in the provinces.
The plan aims to improve the voting experience in the country by maximizing available mall amenities, such as additional security and air-conditioned areas; as well as to decongest regular voting centers in public schools on Election Day.
Earlier, the poll body has formed a technical working group that would assess the legal, logistical, and operational possibility of conducting mall-based voting. (PNA)