NY consulate mails out PH poll ballots, voting starts April 9
Philippine Consul General of New York Mario De Leon Jr. and Consul Kerwin Tate explain the mechanics of voting for the 25,962 registered overseas voters of New York, showing the actual envelope and ballots that voters should look out for in the mail. Volunteers are now accepted to help in the assembly line process of mailing the numbered ballots. CAROL TANJUTCO PHOTO
NEW YORK CITY — The Philippine Consulate General of New York has begun the mailing of all ballots to 25,962 Filipino registered overseas voters in New York.
The list of voters may be verified through the Consulate website. In case of any change of address, registered voters must update their new address via email to: [email protected] or fax their correct address to 212-764-6010 Attn: Bong Delos Santos, or drop off the information personally at the consular office.
Ballots are numbered; instructions to use a black pen must be followed strictly in order for the vote counting machine to recognize the answers.
Consul Kerwin Tate emphasizes that voters must “blacken” the circles corresponding to the names of the candidates, not put a check mark or an X-mark. To be counted, voters must not exceed the number of candidates to vote for: one president, one vice president and maximum of 12 senators, it can be less than 12 though. The ballots for overseas voters are shorter because no other local positions are included.
New York Consul General Mario De Leon Jr. reminds all overseas voters globally to vote and promptly mail back the ballots with the appropriate stamp, to ensure that their votes will be counted before the May 9, 2016 deadline that stops at exactly 5:00 am Eastern Time.
New York registered voters may opt to drop their ballots at the Philippine Consulate located at 556 Fifth Avenue, New York City during office hours. Special accommodations may be extended on Saturdays during the 30-day election period. Off-site collection centers will be announced soon.
It was reported during the conference with the Fil-Am Press Club members that there are approximately 1.37 million registered Filipino voters worldwide, out of 8 million overseas Filipinos. Depending on the turn out, this may be a swing vote for the presidential and senatorial candidates.
Ambassador De Leon added, “Historically, the highest turn out was almost 50 percent in 2004. This year’s overseas election may be a swing vote for the candidates!”
Volunteers are welcome to assist the Philippine Consulate General of New York to speed up the assembly line of putting together envelopes and numbered ballots to be mailed out to registered voters. Please contact Consul Kerwin Tate for details at the PCGNY office.
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