Internet Voting: Comelec Asks Overseas Filipinos to Join Test Run

The Commission on Elections on Monday called on overseas Filipinos to participate in its test run of internet voting, a method being considered for the 2022 elections during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The test run will consist of four voting solutions provided by different elections systems providers. Participants must have an active voter status.

"Their registration status must be active, which means that it must not have been deactivated for failure to vote in the two previous elections in 2016 and 2019," the Comelec said in a statement.

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Apart from the active status, registered overseas voters must also have complete biometrics data, which include a photograph, fingerprints, and signature.

Those interested to join must have a smartphone that can run Anrdoid or iOS apps, a laptop or personal computer, or any mobile device with internet or data access.

In compliance with the data privacy policy, participants will be required to e-mail the Comelec a signed consent form and a copy of their passport or seafarer's book. These documents must be e-mailed to only overseasvoting@comelec.gov.ph.

Sign-ups are being accepted at the Comelec's Office for Overseas Voting website.

Test voters have until Feb. 12, 8 a.m. to sign up for the online run.