Comelec to register undocumented OFWs for 2019 elections

Even undocumented Filipinos abroad can register and vote in the 2019 elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said yesterday.

Comelec Commissioner Arthur Lim said the commission is open to registering Filipinos illegally staying abroad so they could become qualified overseas absentee voters.

Lim noted that the Comelec does not require Filipinos overseas to be properly documented workers or migrants for them to become registered voters.

“The law does not impose a requirement that you should be a legally documented alien to be able to register,” Lim explained.

Lim stressed that an applicant just needs to meet the requirements set by the Overseas Voting Act of 2013.

“You may register provided you are living abroad and you are there during the election period, 18 years of age, and do not suffer any disqualification imposed by law,” Lim pointed out.

But those who have lost their Filipino citizenship in accordance with Philippine laws and those who have expressly renounced their Philippine citizenship and have pledged allegiance to a foreign countrya, except those with dual citizenship, are disqualified from registering.

Filipinos convicted in a final judgment for an offense punishable by imprisonment of not less than one year and those declared insane or incompetent are also not allowed to register.