As part of its preparatory activities for the May 2022 National and Local Elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will conduct a voting simulation on Oct. 23 in San Juan Elementary School.
In a statement, the Comelec said one of the objectives of the activity is to determine the average time frame in the verification process of the identity of the voters in the Election Day Computerized Voting List (EDCVL) based on 800 registered voters per clustered precinct, in order to come up with proposals aimed to streamline the process of verification for purposes of the May 2022 polls.
Another is to identify other areas of concern or issues in the verification process, taking into consideration the minimum health and safety protocols; and also devise measures that will decongest polling places and implement procedures that will ensure completion of voting process in the shortest possible time.
"While we definitely expect these health and safety protocols to impact voting hours and the number of voters that may be allowed to vote at a given time, we are confident that this activity will help us to streamline the overall voting experience," Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said.
The Comelec said all participants in the activity will be required to wear face mask and face shield while inside the voting center and polling place, while observing one-meter physical distancing and proper cough and sneezing etiquette at all times.
It added that there will be frequent disinfection of hands and frequently touched surfaces, temperature check, plastic barriers and designated COVID-19 marshalls and medical personnel.
During the simulation, a Voter's Assistance Desk (VAD) for securing one's precinct and sequence numbers will be installed.
The Comelec said voters registering a temperature higher than 37.5 degrees will be allowed to vote in an Isolation Polling Place (IPP).
There will also be an Emergency Accessible Polling Place (EAPP) for those in the vulnerable sector, such as Persons with Disability (PWD), senior citizens and heavily pregnant women.
The poll body will make use of four classrooms as polling precincts, and three classrooms as holding areas, with 4,235 test voters in the said exercise.
The voting simulation will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.