Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday opened the enrollment period for those who will be using the online voting and counting system (OVCS) in the May 12 midterm polls. Comelec Chairperson George Garcia reminded the over 1.2 million registered overseas voters to start enrolling for the internet voting.

According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia emphasized the importance of enrollment for verifying voters’ identities. “We need to be sure that it is you voting, and give you your password to be able to use the (internet voting) system,” he added. He also encouraged families of Filipinos abroad to motivate their overseas relatives to enroll for the OVCS.

The Comelec stated that enrollment could be completed using the voter’s own internet-capable device during the pre-voting period. Alternatively, voters can enroll through the voting kiosks set up at the Philippine posts during the overseas voting period. A total of 77 posts abroad will be utilizing the OVCS, while 16 Philippine Embassies (PE) and Philippine Consulates General (PCG) will employ automated counting machines (ACMs).

The overseas voting period is scheduled from April 13 to May 12, during which voters will cast ballots for national positions only, including 12 senators and one party-list group. Data from the poll body reveals there are 1,241,690 registered overseas voters.

In a social media post, Comelec advised those interested in enrolling to visit its official website or the official social media accounts of Comelec, Philippine Embassies, and Consulates. The advisory also warned overseas voters to remain vigilant against fraudulent websites and to verify that they are accessing official enrollment links. For further inquiries and updates, voters are encouraged to contact their respective Philippine Post or visit Comelec’s official website.