Filipinos in Thailand can now register, or update their record, for the Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) to ensure a smooth voting experience in the Presidential Elections 2016. This has started on May 6, 2014 and will end on October 31, 2015.
If you participated in the previous Philippine elections, you are still a registered voter. However, the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok advises Filipinos in Thailand to visit the Consular Office to get their records updated especially if they changed their residential address since the last time they voted. It will ensure that an official ballot will be mailed right to their doorsteps.
Who Are Qualified To Register for OAV?
1. Filipino citizen
2. Not in the Philippines on the day of the election
3. At least 18 years old
4. Not Disqualified by law to vote
5. Dual citizens
6. Immigrant or permanent resident of the country in which the Embassy or Consulate where he/she will cast his/her vote on election day is located.
A new registrant will have to do the following:
1. Download a copy of the OAV form here. (It is advisable to read the form before going to the Embassy as there might be entry fields that you need to ask from someone such as your mother’s maiden name, etc)
2. Fill up the OAV form.
2. Submit the form at the Consular Office together with your passport.
3. Your signature, photo, and fingerprints will be recorded.
4. You will be given a receipt which means that your registration is done.
(How To Go To The Philippine Embassy, Bangkok?)
What to do next?
The Embassy will send an official ballot to your registered address here in Thailand. You will cast your vote, and send back the ballot through mail or hand it personally to the Consular Office. The Presidential Elections will be on 9 May 2016.
For more inquiries: (+662) 259-0139 to 40 or (+662) 258-5401