Internet voting goes on 60-day trial

MANILA, Philippines — Overseas Filipino voters may try out internet voting long before election day, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco reported that the poll body intends to conduct a 60-day trial period for the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS).

“Once you have enrolled, you have a trial period of 60 days,” Laudiangco said yesterday.

Laudiangco said it would not yet be an official vote as the names listed in the test ballots are not official candidates.

“Those are just test ballots. We will just give them a chance to familiarize themselves with the system,” he added.

Laudiangco said those participating in the trial can report bugs or other issues they may encounter in using the internet voting system.

However, the Comelec’s plan to roll out a 60-day trial, he said, is not yet final and still subject to the issuance of guidelines.

Those participating in the first-ever internet voting are required to register from Feb. 12 to May 12, 2025.

The official casting of votes by overseas voters will run from April 13 to May 12, 2025.

The Joint Venture of SMS Global Technologies Inc. & Sequent Tech Inc. will be providing the Comelec with OVCS.