Overseas Absentee Voting — How Filipinos Abroad Can Vote (2026)
Under Republic Act 9189 (Overseas Absentee Voting Act), Filipino citizens abroad can vote in Philippine national elections. With the next national elections in May 2028, now is the time to register through OVIS at your nearest Philippine embassy.
Next Elections: The next Philippine national elections are scheduled for May 2028 (midterm). Overseas voter registration is ongoing — register at your Philippine Embassy through the Overseas Voting Information System (OVIS).
Who Can Vote Overseas?
- Filipino citizens abroad (OFWs, immigrants, permanent residents)
- RA 9225 dual citizens (must register as overseas voters)
- Must be at least 18 years old on election day
- Not disqualified by law (e.g., no conviction of a disqualifying crime)
- Must have resided abroad for at least 1 year (for immigrants/permanent residents)
How to Register
- Visit the Philippine Embassy or consulate during registration period
- Fill out the Overseas Voter Registration Form (available at the embassy or online)
- Submit documents: Valid Philippine passport or RA 9225 IC, proof of overseas residence/employment
- Biometric capture: Photo, fingerprints, and signature
- Receive confirmation: You will be notified of your registration status
Online Pre-Registration: You can pre-fill your registration form through the COMELEC iRehistro system, then complete biometric capture in person.
How Overseas Voting Works
Voting Methods:
- Personal voting: Vote in person at the Philippine Embassy/Consulate during the overseas voting period (30 days before election day to election day)
- Mail-in voting: Available for registered voters in countries where personal voting is impractical (COMELEC determines eligible countries)
What You Can Vote For:
- President and Vice President
- Senators (12 seats)
- Party-list representatives
- NOT: Local positions (mayor, governor, congressman) — only national positions
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. If you are still a Philippine citizen (e.g., an OFW on a work visa), you can register directly. If you have become a naturalized citizen of another country, you need to first reacquire Philippine citizenship under RA 9225 before you can register to vote.
Overseas voter registration is ongoing but COMELEC sets a deadline before each election (typically 1 year before election day). For the May 2028 elections, registration will likely close around September 2027. Register early to avoid last-minute issues.
You must transfer your registration to your current country of residence. Visit the nearest Philippine Embassy and request a transfer of overseas voter registration.
Related Pages
Key Dates
- Next elections: May 2028 (midterm)
- Registration: Ongoing at embassies
- Deadline: ~Sept 2027 (TBC)
- Voting period: 30 days before election
Related Pages