COMELEC to accept SMS, FB Likes for the May 2016 Elections

In a press release yesterday, the Commission of Elections has announced that it will be accepting SMS and FB Likes upcoming May 2016 Presidential elections. That’s on top of a dedicated COMELEC Voting App that will be released today on Android, iOS and Windows App Stores.

SMS votes will be accepted on a one number, one eligible vote policy. No need to pre-register. Voters just have to key in their ballots like so:

Text “VOTE PRESIDENT < NAME >” and send to 2366.

To get a list of candidates, just send “VOTE HELP CANDIDATES” to 2366.

Each SMS costs Php2.50 and only votes from Sun, Smart, Talk N Text, Globe and TM will be accepted from 12:01AM to 11:59PM on May 9.

For OFWs and other Filipinos abroad, the official COMELEC Facebook Fan Page will release an FB Poll on May 9 wherein voters will be allowed to Like a candidate in order to cast their ballots.

Voters will need to have a valid data plan or internet connection and logged in to their Facebook account in order to vote. FREE FB users are not allowed to vote.

Lastly, the iOS, Android and Windows 10 apps are now available in the respective App Stores to download.

COMELEC believes that this new measures will further improve queuing lines in clustered precincts, as well as embracing the use of technology in creating better means for the voters to cast their ballots, wherever they may be.

“Being the SMS and Social Media Capital of the World, it is only timely that we push for digital elections. We will be the 2nd country in the world to do so this May 2016 Presidential Elections.”, added Comm. Andres Bautista.

The COMELEC will also be making measures so that hacking will be prevented and digital votes will not be affected. Recently, their website has been defaced by Anynomous Philippines.

Source | Via