The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has unveiled the updated ballot design for the 2025 Midterm Elections, marking an important step toward ensuring a transparent and secure voting process. With over 70 million ballots scheduled for printing starting January 6, the newly finalized templates will serve as the official ballots that voters will use in the upcoming elections.
Key Enhancements in Ballot Design
The new ballot design focuses on improving clarity and security. Candidate names will be printed in bold fonts, making them easier to read. Additionally, a refreshed color scheme will help distinguish between candidates and streamline the voting process for Filipinos. Security features have also been upgraded, including unique serial numbers and anti-tampering marks, which will help verify the authenticity of each ballot. “Once the templates are reviewed, the next steps include encoding and serializing the ballots to ensure each one has a distinct serial number,” explained Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco.
Candidate Names and Legal Considerations
Candidates who have been disqualified or are deemed nuisance candidates will be removed from the ballot templates, provided that the Comelec’s decisions are final. However, those candidates still facing unresolved legal challenges, such as pending motions for reconsideration or temporary restraining orders, will remain on the ballot until a definitive ruling is made. Voters can access the final templates through the Comelec official website to verify the candidates listed.
Printing and Poll Worker Training
With the ballot design now finalized, Comelec is set to begin the printing process on January 6. The goal is to print one million ballots per day, ensuring that each registered voter receives an official ballot. Meanwhile, training is underway for over 4,000 poll workers who will operate automated counting machines across the country. These workers must complete training and be certified by the Department of Science and Technology before the elections.
