The Netherlands has been a favorite destination for Filipinos due to its booming economy and high standard of living. Despite being far from home, Filipinos in the Netherlands are among the most politically active immigrants. Many of them are eager to know if they are eligible to vote in the upcoming elections. To check your eligibility, search for your name on the certified list of OFW voters (CLOV) on the websites of Philippine Foreign Posts.
The Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands will make the voters’ list available to our kababayans as soon as it is updated and published, as the Philippines prepares for elections. In this election, the most recent list of certified overseas voters (CLOV) will be utilized. This document can be used to estimate the number of voters in a certain region. By participating in the upcoming COMELEC national elections, Filipinos in the Netherlands can have a say in shaping the future of the Philippines.
The Philippine Embassy in The Netherlands has been proactively serving the Filipino community through various initiatives, one of which is the recent consular outreach mission led by First Secretary and Consul Jarie Osias in Aruba.
These missions are not only timely but highly beneficial for Filipinos living in Aruba and the broader Dutch Caribbean.
By offering services such as passport application and renewal, notarization, civil registration, reacquisition of Philippine citizenship, and overseas voting registration, the Embassy aids in addressing the critical administrative and legal needs of around 5,000 Filipinos in the region.
These services are particularly valuable for those employed in the tourism, hotel, and restaurant industries who may find it challenging to visit the Embassy during typical working hours. Coordination with local consulates, like that of Consul a.h. Ami Henriquez-Mendez in Aruba, ensures seamless service delivery.
Overall, such well-organized activities fortify the support system for Filipinos abroad, helping them maintain their ties to their home country while living and working in a foreign land.
List of Registered Overseas Filipino Voters in The Netherlands
Filipinos residing overseas who have successfully registered for electoral participation may find valuable support from Philippine diplomatic missions. Embassy officials are geared to educate citizens on the voting process for upcoming elections. Prior to casting your ballot in Philippine national elections from The Netherlands, ensure your name appears on the Certified List of OFW Voters (CLOV).
For the most current details and guidance on national elections and overseas voting in your host country, you can either visit the Philippine Embassy’s website or call their office directly.
As of the time this article was written, the Philippine Embassy in the region has NOT yet released the updated CLOV for the upcoming 2025 elections. Stay vigilant for new updates, either from the Philippine Embassy or this blog, as we will share all pertinent information as soon as it is available.
If you’re a Filipino resident in The Netherlands and need help with the overseas voting process or verifying your information on the CLOV, please reach out to the Embassy. The list is alphabetically sorted for easier navigation, and COMELEC officials may annotate it with comments or notes. To quickly locate your voter data from the list, a shortcut is provided in the next step.
Tip: To avoid scrolling through an extensive list of names, utilize the CTRL + F function. A search box will appear on the file, allowing you to enter your last name to check if your data is included. Be mindful of case sensitivity and ensure your name is spelled correctly without any extraneous spaces or characters.
How to Find Your Name in the List of Absentee Voters in The Netherlands
- Visit the website where the Philippine Embassy in The Netherlands has displayed the Certified List of OFW Voters (CLOV). The list is sorted alphabetically by last names for easy navigation.
- Locate the PDF file that matches the first letter of your last name and click to open it. The list is segmented into various PDFs, each one dedicated to a particular range of last names in alphabetical order.
- Thoroughly review the list to find your name. If you discover it, that’s excellent news! You are qualified to vote in the forthcoming elections.
- If your name appears on the list, this verifies that you’ve successfully registered for overseas voting and are eligible to participate in the critical choices of the upcoming COMELEC national elections.
- If your name is missing from the list, don’t lose heart! This merely indicates you won’t be voting in the current election cycle. Nonetheless, you can prepare for upcoming elections.
How to Vote in Philippine Elections at the Philippine Embassy in The Netherlands
Step 1: Confirm Your Right to Vote
First, ensure your name is listed on The Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands’ Certified List of Overseas Voters. This confirms your voting eligibility.
Step 2: Show Valid ID
Approach the Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI) and present a valid form of identification, such as your passport, to verify your identity.
Step 3: Acquire Your Ballot
Upon verification, sign the voter register and collect your voting ballot. Inspect it for any signs of damage or marking.
Step 4: Enter the Voting Zone
Move to the assigned voting space. The SBEI will provide you with a folder and a pen to maintain the confidentiality of your vote.
Step 5: Complete the Ballot
Carefully adhere to the guidelines to fill out your ballot without any extra markings or mistakes.
Step 6: Make Thoughtful Choices
You may select one President, one Vice President, a maximum of twelve Senators, and one Party List. Be cautious not to overvote.
Step 7: Hand in Your Filled Ballot
Go back to the SBEI and insert your completed ballot into the Vote Counting Machine (VCM).
Step 8: Wait for Receipt
Stand by as your voter’s receipt is being printed. Do not pull it out yourself; it serves as evidence of your vote.
Step 9: Verify Your Choices
Examine your voter’s receipt to ensure that all your selections have been correctly documented.
Step 10: Dispose of the Receipt
If everything is accurate, place your voter’s receipt in the designated box for Voter’s Receipts. Remember, taking pictures or making copies is not allowed.
Step 11: Report Any Issues
If you find any discrepancies, inform the SBEI immediately. However, be aware that making false allegations is prohibited.
Step 12: Leave the Voting Location
Well done! You’ve successfully cast your vote at the Philippine Embassy in The Netherlands. Thank you for participating in this vital democratic activity.
Contact Information of the Philippine Embassy in The Netherlands
Address: Laan Copes van Cattenburch 125, The Hague, Netherlands
Telephone: +31 70 360 4820
Office Hours: Weekdays, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: https://thehaguepe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinTheNetherlands