Comelec: absentee voting open to undocumented OFWs

Even undocumented overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) may register with the Philippine Embassy of their host country to be able to participate and vote in the 2019 midterm elections.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Arthur Lim said an undocumented OFW may register as an “overseas absentee voter” provided they are living abroad and they are there during elections, at least 18 years of age, and do not suffer any disqualification imposed by law.

“The law does not impose on a requirement that you should be a legally documented alien,” Lim said.

The registration for the overseas absentee voting for the 2019 midterm elections started on Dec. 1.

Filipinos working or living abroad who are interested to participate in the 2019 elections can submit their applications to Philippine embassies or consulates or in authorized field registration centers, the Comelec said.

“The registration period will run until Sept. 30, 2018, but Sept. 30 is a Sunday, so effectively up to Sept. 29, 2018 only,” Lim said.