How to Apply for Absentee Voting
Absentee voting allows qualified Filipino citizens who cannot vote in their registered precincts on election day to still exercise their right to suffrage. There are two types: Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) under RA 9189 for Filipinos abroad, and Local Absentee Voting (LAV) under RA 10380 for government officials and employees, members of the AFP/PNP, and media on election duty. This guide covers both types.
Overview
Cost
FREE registration
Timeline
Must register during the designated period; overseas voting period is typically 30 days before election
Key Fact
Overseas voters can only vote for President, VP, Senators, and Party-List
Overseas vs. Local Absentee Voting
Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV)
- For Filipino citizens abroad (OFWs, immigrants, dual citizens)
- Register at Philippine Embassy/Consulate or online via iRehistro
- Can vote for national positions only (President, VP, Senators, Party-List)
- Governed by RA 9189
Local Absentee Voting (LAV)
- For government employees, AFP/PNP, media assigned on election duty
- File application with COMELEC through their agency
- Can vote for all positions
- Governed by RA 10380
Who Can Apply for OAV?
- Filipino citizens abroad (OFWs, permanent residents, immigrants)
- Dual citizens under RA 9225
- Filipino seafarers
- Must be at least 18 years old on election day
- Must not have been disqualified by law
Requirements for Overseas Absentee Voting
| Document | Details | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas Voter Registration Form | Available at Embassy/Consulate or online via iRehistro | Required |
| Valid Philippine Passport | Current and valid Philippine passport | Required |
| Proof of Identity | Any government-issued ID | Required |
| Proof of Foreign Residency | For immigrants/permanent residents (e.g., residence visa, green card) | If applicable |
| Seafarer's ID & Record Book (SIRB) | For Filipino seafarers | If applicable |
Fee: FREE - No fees required for overseas voter registration.
Requirements for Local Absentee Voting
| Document | Details | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Application for Local Absentee Voting | Filed through head of agency | Required |
| Certificate of Assignment/Deployment | Proof of assignment or deployment on election day | Required |
| Valid ID | Any government-issued ID with photo | Required |
| Registered Voter | Must already be a registered voter in the Philippines | Required |
Fee: FREE - No fees required for local absentee voting application.
Step-by-Step: Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV)
Step 1: Register as an Overseas Voter
Register at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your host country. You may also register online through the iRehistro system. Registration must be done during the designated registration period announced by COMELEC.
Step 2: Submit Registration Form and Documents
Submit your completed Overseas Voter Registration Form along with your valid Philippine passport and supporting documents. Immigrants and permanent residents must also provide proof of foreign residency. Seafarers must present their SIRB.
Step 3: Wait for COMELEC Processing
Wait for COMELEC to process your application and include your name in the Certified List of Overseas Voters. You can check your registration status through the Embassy or COMELEC website.
Step 4: Go to Voting Center During Voting Period
During the overseas voting period (typically 30 days before election day), go to the designated voting center at your Philippine Embassy or Consulate. Bring a valid ID for verification.
Step 5: Vote Using the Official COMELEC Ballot
Cast your vote using the official COMELEC ballot. Remember that overseas voters can only vote for national positions: President, Vice President, Senators, and Party-List representatives.
Step 6: Ballot Transmission
Your ballot is securely transmitted to COMELEC in the Philippines for official counting. The Embassy/Consulate handles the secure transmission of all overseas ballots.
Complete Example: Ana's Overseas Voting in Dubai
Scenario: Ana, a Filipina OFW in Dubai, wants to vote in the 2025 electionsRegistration:Ana registered as an overseas voter at the Philippine Consulate in Dubai during the registration period. She submitted:
- Overseas Voter Registration Form
- Valid Philippine Passport
- Emirates ID (as proof of foreign residency)Voting Day:During the 30-day overseas voting period before the 2025 election, Ana went to the Philippine Consulate's voting center. She brought her passport for identification.Positions Voted For:- President
- Vice President
- Senators (up to 12)
- Party-List representativeTime Spent: The entire process took about 30 minutesCost: FREE - Registration and voting are completely free of chargeFrequently Asked Questions
Can overseas voters vote for local positions (mayor, governor)?
No. Under RA 9189, overseas absentee voters can only vote for national positions: President, Vice President, Senators, and Party-List representatives. Voting for local positions such as mayor, governor, congressman, and councilors is not available for overseas voters.
Can I register online for overseas absentee voting?
Yes! You can register online through the iRehistro system for Overseas Absentee Voting. Visit the COMELEC iRehistro portal and follow the instructions for overseas voter registration. You may still need to appear at the Embassy/Consulate for biometrics capture.
What if I'm a dual citizen? Can I still vote?
Yes. Under RA 9225 (Dual Citizenship Act), Filipino dual citizens retain their right to vote in Philippine elections. You can register as an overseas absentee voter at the Philippine Embassy/Consulate in your country of residence.
How long is my overseas voter registration valid?
Overseas voter registration must be renewed every 3 years per COMELEC rules. Make sure to check with your nearest Embassy or Consulate for the renewal schedule and requirements. Failure to renew may result in deactivation of your registration.
Can I vote by mail from abroad?
Postal voting is available in some countries. COMELEC designates certain countries where postal voting is allowed. Check with your Philippine Embassy or Consulate to find out if postal voting is available in your host country. If not, you must vote in person at the designated voting center.
What if I return to the Philippines permanently?
If you return to the Philippines, you should deactivate your overseas voter registration and register as a local voter at your COMELEC office in your city or municipality. You cannot be registered both as an overseas and a local voter simultaneously.
Important Reminders
- Registration is FREE: Never pay any amount for overseas or local absentee voter registration
- Register during the period: COMELEC sets specific registration periods; don't miss the deadline
- Renew your registration: Overseas voter registration must be renewed every 3 years
- Overseas voters vote national only: OAV voters can only vote for President, VP, Senators, and Party-List
- Bring valid ID when voting: Always bring your passport or valid ID to the voting center
- Check your status: Verify that your name is on the Certified List of Overseas Voters before the voting period
- Vote during the voting period: Overseas voting is held 30 days before election day; do not miss your chance
Need Help?
Contact COMELEC
- Hotline: (02) 8525-9300
- Email: info@comelec.gov.ph
- Website: comelec.gov.ph
- Facebook: @COMELECph
Philippine Embassy/Consulate
Contact your nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate for overseas voter registration inquiries. Find your nearest post at dfa.gov.ph.
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the COMELEC you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest COMELEC first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.