PR -41- 2025
13 April 2025, Ottawa — The Philippine Embassy in Canada officially commenced the 30-day overseas voting period for the 2025 National Elections on Sunday, 13 April, marking the first-ever fully online voting process for the Philippines.
Initialization reports of the OVCS for Canada and Bermuda
At exactly 7:00 a.m. (EST), the Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI) at the Ottawa precinct formally initialized the Overseas Voting and Counting System (OVCS). The online voting was opened at 8:00 a.m. allowing registered voters in Canada and Bermuda to cast their ballots in the comfort of their own homes. With their internet-enabled devices, voters only need to access the Commission on Elections' (COMELEC) official portal to cast their ballot: ov.comelec.gov.ph/vote.
Printing of the Initialization reports
Overseas internet voting will remain open until 7:00 a.m. (EST) on 12 May 2025. The overseas internet enrollment and voting kiosk at the Embassy’s consular area will be operational every day throughout the election period — including weekends and holidays — from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
SBEI started the OVCS for online voting
This year’s electoral exercise is a historic first as the Philippines adopts a highly secure and accessible mode of voting for Overseas Filipinos through the 77 Philippine Embassies and Consulates General around the world. Filipinos who are registered overseas and have enrolled are encouraged to vote early and wisely.
For guidelines and updates on overseas internet voting, please visit: https://ottawape.dfa.gov.ph/index.php/2016-04-12-08-36-34/overseas-voting.