For many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), voting is not just a right but a way to stay connected with the Philippines and help shape its future. With the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) introducing online tools like iRehistro, registering as an overseas voter has become more accessible. If you are working abroad and want to make sure your voice counts during elections, here’s a clear guide to completing your registration.
What is iRehistro?
iRehistro is COMELEC’s official online platform that allows overseas voters to accomplish and generate their application form ahead of time. Instead of filling up paperwork from scratch at embassies or consulates, you can prepare everything online. This streamlines the process and saves you time when you visit the nearest Philippine Embassy, Consulate, or designated registration center.
Why Should OFWs Register to Vote?
Being away from the country does not mean you lose your say in national decisions. By registering, you:
- Ensure you are part of the certified list of overseas voters.
- Avoid last-minute issues during election season.
- Contribute to policies and leaders who will shape programs affecting OFWs and their families.
Step-by-Step: Online Registration for OFW Voters
Step 1: Fill Out the iRehistro Form Online
- Visit the iRehistro website through COMELEC’s official portal.
- Choose “Overseas Voting” and fill in the required details, including personal information and contact details.
- Make sure all entries are accurate, as any mistake could delay your registration.
Step 2: Download or Print Your Accomplished Form with QR Code
- After submitting your information, the system will generate a completed form with a unique QR code.
- You can either download the digital copy or print it directly.
- This QR code contains the details you submitted, making it easier for the embassy staff to process your application.
Step 3: Submit the Form at the Embassy or Consulate
- Bring your form with the QR code to the nearest Philippine Embassy, Consulate, or designated registration center.
- Along with the form, prepare supporting documents such as your valid Philippine passport and any additional requirements set by COMELEC.
- Once verified, you will be officially registered as an overseas voter.
Timeline for the Next Elections
Here’s what OFWs should know about the voting timeline:
- Registration Period – Overseas voter registration usually reopens years before election day. COMELEC sets the deadlines, so it’s important to register early. For national elections, registration often closes around September of the year before election day.
- Election Period for OFWs – Unlike in the Philippines, overseas voting is not limited to one day. Voting for OFWs typically begins a month before election day and runs until the official election date in the Philippines.
- Election Day in the Philippines – Held on the second Monday of May every election year. For example, the next scheduled national elections are in May 2028. OFWs can vote within their host country’s designated voting days leading up to this date.
Staying updated through the official COMELEC website and the nearest Embassy or Consulate is crucial to avoid missing deadlines.
Important Reminders for OFWs
- Filling out the iRehistro form online is not the final registration. You must still personally appear at the Embassy or Consulate for biometric capture and verification.
- By submitting the form, you consent to the processing of your personal information by COMELEC, as required by law.
- Register early to avoid long queues, especially as deadlines approach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I register without a valid passport?
No. A valid Philippine passport is the primary requirement. If yours is expired, renew it first before registering. - Do I still need to appear in person after filling out the form online?
Yes. Personal appearance is required for biometric capture and verification. Online registration only prepares your form in advance. - I already registered before. Do I need to register again?
If you are a registered overseas voter and have voted in recent elections, you do not need to register again. However, if you missed voting in two consecutive national elections, your registration may be deactivated and you’ll need to reapply. - Can I register at any Philippine Embassy or Consulate abroad?
Yes. You can register at the nearest Embassy, Consulate, or designated registration center in your host country. - When should I register to avoid missing deadlines?
As early as possible. Registration typically closes several months before the election year—often around September of the year before.
Watch: Makialam, Makisali, Magparehistro, Bumoto!
COMELEC released a short video featuring Mela Habijan to guide Filipinos through the voter registration process using the iRehistro web app.
The video breaks down each step clearly, making it easier for first-time registrants to follow along without confusion.
Registration runs from Tuesday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, giving citizens a wide window to complete their forms and show up at their local office.
By spotlighting this process, COMELEC encourages every eligible Filipino to take part in shaping the country’s future through informed voting.
The campaign reminds viewers: “Makialam, Makisali, Magparehistro, Bumoto!”—a call that turns everyday citizens into active participants in the nation’s story.
Conclusion
Completing your online registration for OFW voters through iRehistro is simple and convenient. By preparing your form in advance, you save time and ensure a smoother process once you visit your local embassy or consulate. Most importantly, registering ensures that your voice as an OFW is heard in the next elections.