In the upcoming closed elections on May 12 next year, Filipino citizens residing abroad will be able to vote and Filipinos, including those located outside the territory of the Philippines. Today, October 23, the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai published guidelines from the Commission on Elections for voting from abroad via the internet, which will be similar to traditional methods of voting in person and by mail.
According to the guidelines, citizens abroad can use any electronic device capable of connecting to the online voting system and casting votes (OVCS). Their information must match the data in the National Registry of Foreign Voters. Preliminary registration will take place from February 27, 2025, to May 12, 2025, until the closing of registration at the standard operating time according to the local time in the Philippines.
Before the actual online voting, a test voting will be conducted to familiarize voters with the online voting process. Should any issues arise, a 30-day voting period abroad from April 13, 2025, to May 12, 2025 (3:00 PM Philippine time or 7:00 PM local time in the Philippines) will allow access to voting kiosks through OVCS in embassies or consulates.
The elections in May 2025 in the Philippines will determine the new composition of 12 senators, members of the House of Representatives, representatives of party lists, governors, members of provincial councils, mayors, and councilors. Regarding setups supporting online voting from abroad, mobile phones, laptops, desktop computers, and tablets on any operating system can be used with any web browser. Those registered for participation in online voting from abroad must first register, then go through the identification procedure, which will be verified.
