The Philippines has a local population of over 100 million people. Given this fact, it may be wise to think that we don’t need OFWs to join the Philippine elections anymore. However, experience has taught us that national elections can be a tight race. There are around one million OFWs around the world, and their votes can swing the results in favor of one politician or the other.
More importantly, giving OFWs a chance to vote means allowing them to vote for candidates that support their agenda; those that know how OFWs live overseas and understand their plight. Therefore, it is important to know more about the electoral process involving OFWs abroad.
How Overseas Filipinos Can Cast Their Vote in the Philippine Elections
Eligibility Requirements
The following are the qualifications for OFWs to vote abroad during the Philippines:
- Must be a Philippine citizen abroad
- Must not be disqualified by law
- Must be at least 18 years of age by the time of election (around May 12, 2025)
Those qualified may register to vote for party-list representatives and senators during the 2025 Philippine National Elections which will be held on April 13 to May 12, 2025.
Those who are not qualified are the following:
- Those who have been sentenced to be imprisonment for at least one year.
- In relation, those who have not been removed from imprisonment during this period through amnesty or pardon.
- Those who are judged in tribunal or court to have committed the crime of being disloyal to the national government. This includes rebellion and insurrection, among others.
- Those who are incompetent or insane according to competent authorities.
Where to register
OFWs can register as overseas voters at their nearest embassy or consulate or other registration centers that are authorized by Comelec (Commission on Elections).
Registration for overseas voting involves submitting the following requirements to the nearest Philippine Embassy:
- 1 printed copy of OVF1 (Overseas Voter Registration Form 1) – download this form through the iRehistro platform or used a printed form at the embassy.
- 1 Original and 1 photocopy of a valid Philippine Passport
- 1 Original and 1 photocopy of a recent proof that you are a Filipino citizen. This may include a work permit, notice of action, visa and green card, among others).
Once all the necessary information is encoded, applicants should save the system-generated PDF file of the completed OVF1 on their device and print a copy. This printout is what you’ll need to submit in person at the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C., along with the other required documents, to process your application according to Sec. 6 of Republic Act No. 10590.
If you don’t have a valid Philippine passport, you can submit any of the following:
- An Approved Report of Birth.
- If you reacquired your Filipino Citizenship under Republic Act No. 9225, you need to submit the original or certified true copy of the Order of Approval of your application to retain or reacquire your Filipino citizenship, or your Identification Certificates issued by the Post or the Bureau of Immigration.
- For seafarers, a photocopy of the Seafarer’s Book.
When to Register?
You can file your application for registration or certification for the May 2025 elections between 09 December 2022 and 30 September 2024.
During this registration period, you can also file requests for the Transfer of Registration Records at the Posts or before the Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) of the COMELEC.
Voting Methods for OFWs
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have several options for voting during Philippine elections:
- In-Person Voting: OFWs can vote at designated Philippine embassies, consulates, and other COMELEC-approved locations, including field and mobile voting centers.
- Mail-In Voting: Depending on your host country, you might also vote by mail. This involves receiving a voting packet that includes the official ballot and other election materials. Once you’ve made your choices, just send the completed ballot back to the election officers.
- Online Voting: Starting with the 2025 midterm elections, online voting will be available for OFWs. This new method is designed to make it easier for overseas Filipinos to take part in the elections.
The voting period for OFWs usually lasts for 30 days, giving you plenty of time to cast your vote.
More on Online Voting
According to Comelec, allowing OFWs to vote online is also a way to test its effectiveness so that this voting system can also be done locally. This online voting system will be used not for the general population, at least for the time being, but targeted towards a certain demographic such as the elderly.
According to Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia, “if this internet voting for OFWs proves to be successful, we can also do it domestically for our senior citizens, persons with disability and pregnant women.”
Garcia said that the elderly these days are tech savvy and are quite proficient when it comes to using gadgets. Garcia notes that senior citizens spend a lot of time with their cellphones, even using it to play games.
If the online voting system is implemented, then senior citizens won’t have to leave their homes to vote. They won’t have to endure queuing up to long lines and crowded precincts just to choose their candidates. Garcia highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of the system.
“The key here is ensuring that the internet voting system is secure, reliable, and well-protected. We can assure you that it will be,” he said. The Comelec also encouraged more people to register, whether for online or in-person voting.
The Comelec announced that they have already processed over 3.3 million new voter applications in the ongoing registration for the 2025 midterm elections.
Participating in elections is a crucial duty for OFWs and a powerful way to influence the future of the Philippines. Your vote is your voice, and it holds great significance. By casting your vote, you help ensure that the concerns and needs of Filipinos abroad are acknowledged and addressed.