PH EMBASSY CONCLUDES HISTORIC FIRST ONLINE VOTING FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINOS IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE CARIBBEAN

PRESS RELEASE

WDC-34-2025

13 May 2025

Embassy Press and Information Section

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Philippine Embassy in Washington DC has officially concluded the first-ever online voting for overseas voters in the United States and the Caribbean, marking a historic step towards expanding electoral access for Filipinos abroad.

Since the implementation of overseas voting in 2004, the mode of voting has steadily evolved, from in-person voting at the Embassy in the early years, to postal voting adopted in 2019, and now, in 2025, to online voting for the midterm elections. For the first time, registered overseas voters in the United States and the Caribbean were able to securely vote for their senators and party-list representatives online.

“This is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to bring not only our government services—but also the democratic process—closer to Filipinos wherever they are in the world,” said Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez. “Online voting addresses long-standing challenges faced by our kababayan such as distance, accessibility, and postal delays.”

At the close of the 30-day voting period, the Embassy’s two Special Boards of Election Inspectors (SBEIs) convened to count the votes cast under their respective precincts. A total of 2,016 Filipinos voted online, representing approximately 6 percent of the 31,000 registered overseas voters under the Embassy’s jurisdiction.

Simultaneously, the Embassy’s Special Board of Canvassers (SBOC) canvassed and consolidated the results from all eight Philippine Foreign Services Posts in the United States. Out of the 188,519 voters registered across these Posts—from Guam to Washington DC—a total of 9,806 Filipinos cast their digital ballots, reflecting an overall turnout of 5.2 percent. Watchers and election observers were also present during the counting and canvassing of votes, ensuring the transparency and accountability of the process.

“Historically, midterm polls see lower turnout compared to presidential elections,” Ambassador Romualdez added. “But we at the Embassy see this as the beginning of a more accessible, secure, and inclusive way of making sure that the voices of overseas Filipinos are heard. I thank our kababayan who participated and helped us implement this system with integrity and trust.”

Throughout the 30-day voting period, the Embassy provided multiple channels for voter assistance, including technical support and step-by-step guidance for those accessing the system.

The full election results are posted on the Embassy’s premises and can be accessed at https://2025electionresults.comelec.gov.ph/. ###