Guide to Local Absentee & Overseas Voting in 2025 Phl elections

The 2025 Philippine midterm elections are fast approaching, and ensuring that every eligible Filipino can cast their vote is a priority. For those who cannot physically go to their designated polling precincts on election day, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has two key systems in place: Local Absentee Voting (LAV) and Overseas Voting. These voting mechanisms ensure that Filipinos — whether serving in election duties, working abroad, or covering the elections — are not disenfranchised.

Local Absentee Voting (LAV): Who can vote and how?

Local Absentee Voting allows certain groups of individuals to vote ahead of election day. This system benefits government officials, employees, uniformed personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), as well as media practitioners covering the elections.

Eligible voters under LAV are only allowed to vote for national positions, specifically senators and party-list representatives. The voting period for Local Absentee Voters has been set from 28-30 April 2025, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

To participate in LAV, individuals must submit their applications before the 17 March 2025 deadline. AFP and PNP personnel must file their applications with their commanders or immediate superiors, while government employees must submit theirs to their heads of offices. Media practitioners should submit their applications to the Office of the Regional Election Director (NCR), the Office of the City Election Officer (for highly urbanized cities outside NCR), or the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor (for other areas).

Recognizing the need for flexibility, Comelec has extended the registration deadline from 10 to 17 March 2025, following multiple requests from government agencies and media organizations. The verification of registrants will now be 11 April 2025, while the transmittal of the list of qualified absentee voters and ballots is scheduled for 27 April 2025.

Overseas voting: How Filipinos abroad can participate

For millions of Filipinos living and working abroad, the Overseas Voting System guarantees their right to participate in shaping the country’s future. Under Republic Act No. 10590, an overseas voter is a Filipino citizen residing abroad who is qualified to vote but is not physically present in the Philippines on election day.

Overseas voters will be electing Senators and Party-List Representatives, similar to LAV voters. The official voting period for Overseas Voting begins on 13 April 2025 and ends on 12 May 2025 at 7:00 PM, Philippine time.

Filipinos abroad who registered on or before 30 September 2024, are eligible to vote. Comelec strongly encourages voters to check their registration status with their respective embassies or consulates.

How overseas voters can register and vote

Filipino citizens abroad who wish to register must meet the following requirements as stipulated under Section 12 of RA 10590:

1. A valid Philippine passport. If unavailable, a certification from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) verifying the applicant’s eligibility to receive a passport may be used.

2. A completed Overseas Voter registration form as prescribed by Comelec.

3. If the applicant has reacquired Filipino citizenship under Republic Act No. 9225 or the Citizen Retention and Reacquisition Act, they must present a certified true copy of their identification certificate issued by the Bureau of Immigration or the approval order of their application.

The overseas voter registration period ended on 30 September 2024. However, registered voters must still enroll for the pre-election process, which begins on 20 March 2025.

Modes of voting for overseas voters

The method of voting for overseas Filipinos varies depending on their country of residence. Per Comelec Minute Resolution No. 24-0067, the mode of voting in the United States and the Caribbean will be internet voting for the 2025 elections. Other locations may use personal voting at embassies or postal voting, depending on their designated voting process.

Comelec advises Filipinos overseas to stay updated with official announcements regarding election procedures.

"We urge overseas voters to take part in electing leaders who will shape the country’s policies, even from abroad," an official stated.

Who is disqualified from voting?

Filipinos, whether in the Philippines or abroad, may be disqualified from voting under certain circumstances. The following individuals are ineligible to vote:

• Those who have been convicted by final judgment and sentenced to imprisonment for at least one year, unless granted plenary pardon or amnesty;

• Those found guilty of crimes against national security such as rebellion, insurrection, or violations of firearms laws, unless their civil and political rights have been restored; and

• Those declared insane or incompetent by a competent court, unless later declared fit to vote.

Key election dates to remember

• 7 March 2025 – Deadline for LAV applications

• 17 March 2025 – Extended deadline for LAV registration

• 20 March 2025 – Pre-enrollment for registered overseas voters

• 13 April 2025 – Start of the overseas voting period

• 28-30 April 2025 – Local Absentee Voting period

• 12 May 2025 – Election day (Voting ends at 7:00 p.m. PH time)

Why absentee and overseas voting matter

Both Local Absentee Voting and Overseas Voting ensure that every Filipino’s voice is heard, regardless of their location or duties. By providing these mechanisms, the government upholds the right to suffrage and guarantees broader participation in the country’s democratic process.

With the 12 May 2025 elections just around the corner, eligible voters should prepare by verifying their registration, knowing their designated voting schedules, and participating in the process. Whether through Local Absentee Voting or Overseas Voting, every vote contributes to shaping the nation’s future.