Comelec eyes start of overseas voter registration in December

Filipinos abroad, who are at least 18 years old on the day of elections and are not otherwise disqualified by law, are allowed to register as an overseas voter. (Pixabay Photo)

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday said it is looking to start the registration of overseas voters in December in connection with the May 2022 national and local polls.

Comelec – Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) Director Elaiza David said the overseas voter registration period is likely to start before the end of the year.

“(Overseas voter registration will start) December 2019. OFOV’s review of guidelines and procedures (is underway). Getting ready for resumption of registration overseas,” David said in a statement.

The last registration for OFOV was held from December 1, 2016 to September 30, 2018 for the May 2019 elections.

Comelec data show there are a total of 1,822,173 registered overseas voters in the last May polls.

Filipinos abroad, who are at least 18 years old on the day of elections and are not otherwise disqualified by law, are allowed to register as an overseas voter.

The poll body is currently conducting the two-month voter registration for regular and youth voters in connection with the May 2020 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

As of August 24, it has already received a total of 802,926 applicants.

The registration period started last August 1 and end on September 30, this year.