The overseas absentee voting, which is one of the most anticipated events for Filipinos all over the globe, particularly those in the United Kingdom, will take place from 10 April to 9 May — a month-long period. The first step is to cross-reference their names with those on the list of certified overseas voters at their local Philippine Foreign Post.
Keeping this in mind, it is vital that registered Filipino voters living abroad understand the procedures and criteria for participating in future elections in their respective countries.
Also Read: Official List of Certified Filipino Voters in London UK for 2022 National Elections
However, bear in mind that this may vary from location to location, so make sure you are aware of your country’s foreign post’s requirements on how to vote in the UK. Before engaging in the overseas voting procedure, overseas Filipino voters are asked to double-check their information on the website of the Philippine Foreign Post. You might begin by reading this guide to learn more about the step-by-step approach for a smooth and trouble-free overseas voting experience from the UK.
Voting Guidelines in the UK for the 2022 Philippine Elections
Filipinos who desire to vote in the United Kingdom may now do so in a secure and clear manner. They must vote in person or by mail at the Philippine Foreign Post between April 10 and May 9 if their name is on the country’s list of certified overseas voters (CLOV).
Of course, no one likes waiting in line or having their plans disrupted on any given day. Nonetheless, this is an excellent chance for Filipino professionals working overseas and French residents to mark their calendars for the overseas voting session.
Step by Step Procedure of Voting as a Filipino in the UK
Step 1 – Check if your name is on the list of registered voters in the UK here.
Step 2 – Vote wisely.
You should know who to vote for right now, including the candidates’ professional and political histories, as well as their views on matters such as employment, health, foreign workers, and immigration, to name a few.
NOTICE:
In an advisory released by the Philippine Embassy in the UK, it said that it will implement the POSTAL VOTING SYSTEM. This is one way wherein voters may cast their ballots through mail, which will be distributed by post. In line with this, the Philippine Embassy offered the following reminders:
- After you accomplish your mailed ballot, make sure that it is properly sealed before mailing it back to the Embassy.
- Each ballot is enclosed with a stamp or seal that is required upon mailing it back to the Embassy.
- Make sure to send the accomplished ballot on or before 09 May 2022.
* For more information regarding overseas absentee voting in the UK, you may follow the Facebook page and website of the Philippine Embassy.
* Voters may expect to receive their ballots on or shortly after 10 April 2022. If a ballot has not arrived well after 10 April 2022 then the voter may email the Embassy at londonpe.voting@gmail.com.
To learn more about the overseas voting in London, you may refer to this advisory posted by the Philippine embassy in the UK:
Step 3 – Cast your ballot in the vote-counting machine or VCM (formerly known as the PCOS machine).
This will make vote counting and evaluation more efficient. Also, make sure you’ve completed all relevant areas of the ballot so you don’t forget to vote for anyone.
Step 4 – Get the indelible ink marked on your index finger.
When you depart the Philippine Foreign Post, this will serve as verification that you have previously voted. And you’re finished! You are now free to leave the poll and go home, work, spend the day with your friends, or take a day off.
Overseas Filipino Voting Schedule in the UK
Voting for the overseas elections begins from 8 a.m. (local time) to 7 p.m. (Philippine time), from April 10, 2022, through May 9, 2022.
During this period, walk-ins are welcomed at all Philippine Foreign Posts. However, in order to vote in the ongoing overseas absentee voting, you must authenticate your details on-site.
Video: HALINA’T BUMOTO!
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has published a video on the upcoming international elections. More information regarding voting from countries other than the Philippines may be found here.
To fulfill their rights and duties as Filipino nationals, every eligible OFW and Filipino immigrant in the UK must vote. Having said that, all Filipinos, regardless of where they live, must educate themselves on what to expect and do on Election Day.
Overseas Filipinos have a full month to vote. This should give everyone ample time to think on who should be elected as the country’s next leader. Once they’ve made their selection, personnel from the Philippine Foreign Posts in the United Kingdom will help them vote quickly and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to be able to vote in the 2022 National Elections?
During the election season, Filipino citizens must bring their authentic passports or mariner’s books to the polls. Residents of the United Kingdom who hold dual citizenship must also provide their ID card or authorization document in order to vote.
How do I know if I am a registered voter in UK?
The list of certified overseas voters in the United Kingdom, as well as the list of Filipino seafarers, is available on the website of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) or at any of the country’s Philippine Foreign Posts. In the 2022 elections, only registered Filipino voters will be eligible to vote.
How does COMELEC decide on which voter records to deactivate?
The Commission on Elections deactivated the records of voters who did not vote in at least two elections (COMELEC).
When can applicants collect their Voter ID?
The Commission on Elections has paused the distribution and fabrication of voter identity cards across the country due to the implementation of Republic Act 11055, or the National ID System.
The Philippine Statistics Authority is working hard to implement the National ID system in the country. It is slated for implementation in all foreign service occupations by 2022.
Where can I find important information and updates on overseas voting?
Filipinos in the UK are advised to monitor the Philippine Foreign Post’s social media outlets for election updates.
Summary
The Philippine Foreign Posts in the United Kingdom works hard to make overseas voting as simple and accessible as possible for all Filipinos living in the country. As a result, they ask that Filipinos around the nation double-check the list of certified overseas voters (CLOV) before voting at the Philippine Foreign Post commencing April 10.
With the information presented in this article, it is expected that abroad Filipinos, wherever they may be in the globe, would have trouble-free elections this year. Also, bear in mind that abroad absentee voting takes place prior to national elections in the home country, so please share this information with any friends, coworkers, or family members who may require it.
READ NEXT: Updated List of Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) Branches Abroad
CONTACT INFORMATION
Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in London, UK
Address: 6-11 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HG
Website: http://londonpe.dfa.gov.ph/
Email: londonpe.consular@dfa.gov.ph
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