Comelec orders halt to private printing of sample ballots

The Commission on Elections has ordered commercial firms in Zamboanga peninsula to halt printing sample ballots that closely resemble the official ones for the May 12 midterm elections.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia instructed all polling offices to ensure compliance with these regulations by private printing firms and political candidates, emphasizing that unauthorized use of the Comelec logo is prohibited.

The poll body warned against mimicking the appearance, color, and style of official ballots, as it violates the Omnibus Election Code and other election laws, while also permitting candidates to print sample ballots without using the official logo.

Garcia assured that voting machines are equipped with security features capable of distinguishing authentic ballots from counterfeits and reminded candidates not to distribute sample ballots on election day or the day before due to the campaign ban period.

The Comelec also warned against employing children to hand out sample ballots, as it takes advantage of their lack of criminal liability.