Comelec launches online survey on mall voting

Are you willing to give mall voting a try?

This is one of the questions in the online survey of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to get a feel of the public's opinion regarding the proposed mall voting for the May, 2016 elections.

The other questions in the online survey, which can be accessed at www.comelec.gov. ph, are: 1) What do you think of the plan to put polling places

in malls instead of public schools; 2) What would make you change your mind; 3) What would make your voting experience more pleasant and meaningful; and 4) What would encourage you to go out and vote on Election Day.

Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez urged the public to participate in their online survey which will run for three weeks.

“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).

The Comelec is eyeing the possibility of establishing polling precincts in selected malls, which are adjacent to voting centers, in Metro Manila and in the provinces to improve the voting experience in the country.

Legal scrutiny Aside from the online survey, the poll body already formed a technical working group that will look at the legal, operational and the logistical aspect of the entire operation on the holding of mall-based voting.

The TWG will also be looking at ways on how to ensure that mall-based voting will not pose any advantages to would-be candidates being supported by mall owners.

Section 42 of the Omnibus Election Code provides that in case there is no public school or other public building that can be used as polling places, other appropriate private buildings may be designated.

The law also states that such private buildings must not be “owned or occupied or possessed by any incumbent elective public official or candidate, or his relative within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.”