Wondering how you can vote overseas during the elections 2022? Here is a guide on Overseas Absentee Voting (OFW voting) in 2022.

Voting is simple if you live and work in the Philippines, but what if you live and work outside the country? Is it possible for you to exercise your right to vote at this time?  Yes, you can. You can vote from your host country if you are an overseas Filipino worker (OFW).

In this post, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step process on Overseas Absentee Voting (OFW voting) in Elections 2022, as well as the requirements you need. 

Who is eligible to vote and register?

• A Filipino citizen
• at least 18 years old on Election Day
• Not disqualified by law for any reason.

Even though you’re not in the Philippines, you are able to register as a voter and vote in the elections if you meet all of the following requirements mentioned above. 

What are the requirements for Overseas Absentee Voting (OFW voting) in Elections 2022?

You must have the following documents on the day of the elections once you have registered to vote overseas.

• Voter’s registration Receipt
• Valid Passport Photocopy
• Proof of Philippine Citizenship, such as a Visa, Resident Card, Notice of Action, etc. 

Using a vote count machine [VCM] to vote in person

Overseas Absentee Voting (OFW voting) can be done in person or by mail, depending on where the OFW is stationed. The voting process normally takes 30 days in any circumstance.

1. Make sure your name is registered on the Certified List of Overseas Voters (CLOV). You may begin preparing your documentation for the Election period once you have verified your record in the list of overseas absentee voters.
2. Select a day to vote at the Philippine foreign post (embassy or consulate). 
3. On-site, you will be given a ballot, a secrecy folder, and a pen, same as how voting is done in the Philippines. After you’ve gathered these, go to a voting booth and cast your vote.
4. Shade the ovals with the names of the contenders and party lists for which you want to vote. The ballot will then be handed over to the Special Board of Elections Inspectors (SBIEs) and inserted into the machine.
5. Following the reading of the ballot, the machine will print a receipt, which the voter will then deposit in a specified box.

Voting in Person – Manual

1. Make sure your name is registered on the Certified List of Overseas Voters (CLOV). You may begin preparing your documentation for the Election period once you have verified your record in the list of overseas absentee voters.
2. You must go to the Post Office or other Commission-approved polling venues. Bring a valid passport or ID, then present your name and address to the Electoral Board.
3. Before getting a ballot, you must sign and adhere your thumb mark to the List of Abroad Voters with Voting Records (OVF No. 2-A), which is a certified list of overseas voters with names and biometrics listed alphabetically.

Voting by Post Mail

1. Alternatively, if you plan to vote by mail, which is another way to participate in international elections, expect to get an envelope including the Official Ballot, Certified List of Candidates, Instructions to Voters, Official Ballot envelope, and Paper Seals via mail or personal delivery.
2. After finishing the ballot, seal it and place it in the “Ballot Envelope.” 
3. You have the option of mailing it or delivering it to the Post Office in person. To guarantee that the ballot gets to the Post Office on or before the deadline, it should be mailed as soon as possible.

Voting for Seafarers

Seafarers can vote at any Post that employs personal voting or, in the case of postal voting, at any Post with international seaports that have been recognized and endorsed by the Department of Foreign Affairs-Overseas Voting Secretariat (DFA-OVS).

Schedule for OFWs Abroad to Vote Overseas

The voting period for the 2022 Philippine Elections starts from April 10 to May 9, 2022. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to find out if my application has been rejected?

By mail or any other means of contact, the Resident Election Registration Board (RERB) of the FSPs or MECOs that reviewed your application will issue you a Notice of Disapproval of your application.

What voting choices are available to an overseas voter?

A voter from another country can vote in person or by mail. There are other times when the Philippine embassy or consulate will hold mobile polling booths to accommodate as many abroad voters as possible. Connect with them on social media or go to their official website to learn more.

What is the duration of the Overseas Voting (OFW Voting)?

The voting period is thirty (30) days long, including holidays in the Philippines and the host countries.

Where is the location of Overseas Voting (OFW Voting)?

The vote is held in embassies, consulates, and other Foreign Service facilities that have been approved by the Commission. For a limited time, voting may also take place in field voting centers or mobile voting centers approved by the Commission.

I was able to vote many years ago. Why isn’t my name listed in the CLOV?

If you have not voted in the last two (2) elections, your voter records will be deleted, and your name will be removed from the CLOV.  – WhatALife! 

Source: (dfa.gov.ph), (comelec.gov.ph), (thepinoyofw.com)

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Also read: How To Find Your Voting Precinct: COMELEC Voting Precinct Finder 2022