LOOK: Comelec unveils new ballot template for the 2025 midterm elections
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has introduced a new ballot template to be used on the final printed ballot for the 2025 midterm polls.
The new ballots, which will begin printing on Jan. 6, feature an improved color scheme and distinct serial numbers each. The candidates’ names will also be in bold font for better visibility.
The template has excluded disqualified or nuisance candidates, provided Comelec's decision is final and executory.
Meanwhile, those with pending appeals or unresolved decisions will still have their names printed on the ballot.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia stressed that the commission already afforded due process to those with pending disqualification cases, so they will proceed with the scheduled election activities unless ordered by the High Court, per a report by The Philippine STAR.
It added that the commission aims to print 800,000 to one million ballots every day until April 14 to complete all 73 million ballots for the midterm elections.
The priority includes overseas voters in countries not allowed to use internet voting and for the BARMM parliamentary elections.
The commission is also eyeing the expansion of the coverage of local absentee voting (LAV), allowing government officials and employees, and those in the health sector and media to cast their vote early for national positions ahead of the public voting on May 12.
Garcia said other government agencies may send a letter to Comelec requesting their employees who have duties during the election to avail themselves of LAV.
