Just the other day a friend of mine and I had a discussion about poll automation. My friend was against it because, as he put it, poll automation will just lead to massive cheating. I couldn't say that his concern is invalid after all electoral fraud is really a big concern. However, I think a bit of perspective is needed here.

As far as I know, there is no proof whatsoever that cheating gets worse when the system is automated. But, for argument's sake, let's just say that there is always that possibility. In contrast, cheating can already be considered a certainty under a manual system. Many countries use automated systems and their elections have been generally successful. We really can't say the same for manual elections here in the Philippines now, can we?

BenK, a Philippine-based American who runs a very insightful blog, once raised the question about this whole poll automation issue. He asked:

Would you prefer an old system with a track record of failure or a new one with a possibility of failure but is backed by evidence of success?

I asked my friend this question and, as I expected, he ended up struggling for a reply that is consistent with his anti-poll automation stance. In the end he just said, "Ah basta, I don't like poll automation." I decided to back off because my friend was a lot bigger than me. Anyway, the following morning I got a text message from him. He wrote:

Pre, you're right. This poll automation thing is worth trying out. If cheating will happen it will happen regardless of the system. At least with automation there's a greater chance for clean elections.

I couldn't be any prouder of myself.

One thing I learned from this is that some people don't really know why they’re for or against something. Many just take a position because of herd mentality. Some, like my friend, are just victims of misinformation and disinformation.

Fortunately, more and more people are beginning to warm up to the idea of poll automation. I've managed to find a few blogs authored by Filipinos who agree that poll automation is good for this country. Here's a few:

smoke.ph

adayinthelifeofrj.com

pinoybuzz

I suggest you visit these blogs and check out their arguments in support of poll automation. If you're against the project, I'm sure you'll find their ideas quite compelling. If you're already a supporter you'll find comfort in the thought that you are not alone. Incidentally, if you're a blogger who supports  pro-automation, give me a link request and I'll gladly add you to my blogroll.

My biggest hope right now is that more people will come out to support poll automation. I can't stress enough how important it is for us to support this. As I've always said, poll automation is a step forward in the evolution of Philippine elections. So let's make it a reality and let's not mess it up.