LOS ANGELES – The Philippine Consulate General started registration for Overseas Voting (OV) to overseas Filipinos in relation to the upcoming May 2016 national elections in the Philippines. All Filipino citizens abroad, at least eighteen (18) years of age on the day of the elections may register for overseas voting.
In this round of registration, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that the requirement of the affidavit of intent to return to the Philippines to be signed by immigrants was already repealed. This came after the strong position raised by the Filipino community and Philippine Consulates on this issue. This development will help encourage more overseas Filipinos to register for overseas voting.
The Consulate had its first batch of registrants both from its passport applicants and dual citizenship applicants at its Community Hall. Registrants were happy to be able to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming Philippine national elections. Those who came from as far as Las Vegas and Arizona were pleased to be able to do both their consular application and registration for overseas voting during their visit at the Consulate.
The Consulate encourages all qualified overseas Filipinos to register for overseas voting. Personal appearance is required in order to get the registrant’s biometrics. Applicants should bring proof of Philippine citizenship such as their Philippine passport or dual citizenship identification certificate and order of approval. The period of registration is from May 6, 2014 to October 31, 2015 at the Consulate’s Community/Rizal Hall.
(PCG-LA)
