The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said the Printing Committee for the 2022 National and Local Elections is set to conduct the disposal of spools and paper trimmings on Wednesday, Feb. 16.
"The paper trimmings for disposal, this is the part of the ballot for the automated election system (AES) that we cut as it is beyond the ballot size set. These are the spaces on the side of the ballot. While the spools are the cylinders of the ballot paper," Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said in a statement on Tuesday, Feb. 15.
"The disposal is being done in order to make space at the warehouse, which is already being filled up as we make speedy progress in the printing of ballots," he added.
The AES ballot to be used in the 2022 polls measures 8.5 inches by 26 inches for local voters.
For overseas voters, the ballot is shorter at 8.5 inches by 21 inches.
The Comelec said due notice has been given to all political parties who may observe the activity, subject to the prevailing health and safety protocols issued by appropriate authorities.
The disposal will take place at the National Printing Office (NPO), Quezon City at 8 a.m.