How to register as a PH Overseas Voter

Although I am already living in Taiwan, I still feel it is part of my responsibility as a Filipino citizen to exercise my right of sufferage. And the next election that we can exercise this right will be next year: the 2025 Philippine Senate election that is slated to happen on May 12, 2025⁩ (Monday).

But for us to be able to vote, we must register as an Overseas Absentee Voter.

Registration in MECO

Back in 2021, I made sure to register in Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) as an Overseas Absentee Voter. This is to ensure that I can vote for the 2022 Presidential Elections.

However, since I moved to a different county, I need to change my registration district from MECO Taipei to MECO Taichung.

To register, all applicants must complete the Overseas Voter Registration Form (OVF1) and personally submit the form to the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in either Taipei, Taichung or Kaoshiung.

According to the government mandate, filing of applications for registration shall be from 09 December 2022 to 30 September 2024. This means we only have until the end of this month to register!

You can go to MECO during their office hours in weekdays. And for those who are not able to go during weekdays, there is one more Sunday that they are open which is on 15 September 2024 (3rd Sunday of this month).

Registration Requirements

When you go to MECO, make sure you bring the following documents:

• Duly accomplished Overseas Voter Registration Form (OVF1) (Note: This form is free and also available in MECO)

• Original Philippine Passport (must be valid)

• Photocopy Philippine Passport

• and just to be safe, original and photocopy of your ARC

Make sure to have photocopies before going to MECO since sometimes they charge more in their copier stations.

So to my fellow Filipinos in Taiwan, please don’t forget your right to vote for the 2025 Philippine Elections 🇵🇭

For more information, you can visit MECO’s website on Overseas Absentee Voting