Step-by-Step Guide: How Overseas Filipinos Can Enroll and Become Eligible for Online Voting in the May 12, 2025 Philippine Elections

Spread the love

Read Time:3 Minute, 7 Second

Eligibility Requirements

Filipino citizen, at least 18 years old by May 12, 2025
Registered overseas voter with an active record (check if you are on the Certified List of Overseas Voters, CLOV)
Not disqualified by law (e.g., not convicted of certain crimes, not declared insane/incompetent by a court)

1. Check Your Registration Status

Visit the official COMELEC links to check if your name is included in the Certified List of Overseas Voters (CLOV) or the National Registry of Overseas Voters (NROV):
- CLOV/NROV Check
If your name is not listed, you are either not registered, your record is inactive, or you are registered under a different embassy/consulate. Overseas voter registration for the 2025 elections closed on September 30, 2024. You cannot vote in 2025, but you may register in the next cycle if you are not registered.

2. Prepare the Required Documents and Devices

An internet-capable device (smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer) with a camera
A valid email address and/or mobile number
One of the following Philippine-issued IDs (expired IDs accepted):
- Philippine Passport (Regular, Official, Diplomatic)
- PhilSys ID (National ID)
- Philippine Driver’s License
- IBP Card
- Seaman’s Book
Ensure your device can take clear photos, and you are in a well-lit area for facial capture

3. Enroll for Online Voting (Pre-Voting Enrollment)

Enrollment Period: March 20, 2025 – May 7, 2025 (Philippine Standard Time)
Access the official COMELEC enrollment link: https://ov.comelec.gov.ph/enroll
- The system is only accessible outside the Philippines
- Only use the official website; beware of fraudulent links

Enrollment Steps:

Go to the official enrollment portal.
Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on the CLOV/NROV (e.g., use your maiden name if that’s what is on the list).
Upload a photo of your valid ID.
Complete the facial capture using your device’s camera.
Provide a valid email address and/or mobile number to receive a One-Time PIN (OTP).
Set your password and remember your login credentials.
Submit your enrollment form and wait for confirmation.
- If the automated verification fails, your application will be marked for manual validation; you will receive a notification regarding your status.

4. After Successful Enrollment

Once the voting period starts, you will receive credentials (via email or SMS) to access the online voting platform.
You may receive a link to a test voting portal for practice before the voting period.

5. Voting Period

Voting opens: April 13, 2025
Voting closes May 12, 2025, at 7:00 PM Philippine Standard Time.
Only those who completed pre-voting enrollment can access the digital ballot and vote online.
There will be no mailed paper ballots; all voting is online.

6. Need Help?

If you lack an accepted ID, you may enroll via manual verification at your local embassy/consulate or through a virtual appearance, presenting other proof of identity.
Assistance is available at Philippine posts (embassies/consulates) and designated voting kiosks for those who need help or lack devices.
For further inquiries, contact your nearest Philippine Embassy/Consulate or the COMELEC Office for Overseas Voting.

Summary Table: Key Dates and Links

Activity	Date/Period	Link/Info
Pre-voting Enrollment	Mar 20 – May 7, 2025	https://ov.comelec.gov.ph/enroll
Voting Period	Apr 13 – May 12, 2025	Credentials sent after enrollment
Check Registration Status	Anytime	COMELEC CLOV/NROV
Embassy/Consulate Assistance	During enrollment/voting	Local Embassy/Consulate

Reminders

Only registered, active overseas voters who complete pre-voting enrollment can vote online.
Enroll as early as possible to avoid last-minute issues.
Keep your login credentials safe and do not share them.
All voting is online; no physical ballots or walk-in voting for overseas Filipinos in 2025.

For more information, always refer to the official COMELEC and embassy/consulate channels.