Comelec launches online voting for overseas Filipinos

In the 2025 midterm elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) introduced a more convenient and accessible way of voting for Filipinos living and working overseas.

As of Monday, 14 April 2025, the Comelec has successfully activated over 77 Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS) hubs, which will remain open for one month until 12 May, the official election day in the Philippines.

In addition to the OVCS, the Comelec also opened 16 posts in Philippine embassies and consulates equipped with automated counting machines (ACMs) for voters who still prefer to cast their votes in person.

During a press briefing in Malacañang, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro was asked about the new system’s implementation.

“Sana po mas maging mas maayos po ito at dahil po dito ay mas mapapabilis po ang pamamaraan ng pagboto ng ating mga kababayan,” she said.

(I hope this will be more organized and because of this, the voting process for our countrymen will be faster.)

Previously, overseas voting was done through personal appearance at designated embassies or consulates or via mailed ballots. The introduction of the internet-based system marks a major shift in the country's approach to overseas electoral participation.

According to Comelec Chairperson George Garcia, there are more than 1.23 million registered voters living abroad. However, only 48,000 have enrolled in the pre-voting enrollment system for the 2025 midterm elections.

Garcia encouraged overseas voters to take advantage of the new platform. Enrollment for the online voting system remains open until 7 May 2025 through the Comelec’s official portal: https://ov.comelec.gov.ph/enroll.