PH embassy warns Filipino citizens in America against voting in US elections

NEW YORK — The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. has issued a public advisory reminding Filipino citizens in America that they may face criminal charges and immigration issues should they participate in the upcoming US elections in November.

In its advisory issued on October 1, the embassy said only American citizens are allowed to vote in US federal and state elections, and in most local elections.

"Voting by non-citizens may result in criminal prosecution, detention, removal proceedings, and denial of applications for U.S. citizenship, even if the act occurred years prior and even if the individual was unaware that it was prohibited," the advisory read.

The embassy also stressed that lawful permanent residents, or green card holders, including those with pending applications for naturalization, are not allowed to vote in federal or state elections unless they have already become US citizens.

The warning comes as the US midterm elections on November 3, 2026 are just a month away, and amid several federal cases involving Philippine citizens accused of illegally voting in the United States.

This September, at least two Filipinos have been confirmed to have pleaded guilty to illegal voting.

One of them is a 37-year-old Filipino in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, who pleaded guilty to illegally voting in the 2024 US general election.

According to the US Department of Justice, the individual faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison, one year of supervised release, and a $100,000 fine. Her sentencing is scheduled for December 16.

The second case involves a 20-year-old Filipino permanent resident in Hawaii. Federal prosecutors said the individual voted in the 2024 election by casting a mail-in ballot even though she knew she was not a US citizen.

She also faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison, a term of supervised release, and a fine of up to $100,000.

Meanwhile, other Philippine citizens are facing separate election-related cases.

Amid these cases, the Philippine embassy is strongly urging Filipinos to verify their US citizenship before they register to vote or cast a ballot.

According to the embassy, permanent residents, including those who have pending applications for naturalization, may not vote in federal or state elections.

The embassy clarified that a Filipino does not gain proof of eligibility to vote by receiving voter registration forms or ballots, being encouraged to register while in school, or offered voter registration during the application of a driver's license.

"Filipinos who may have registered or voted before becoming U.S. citizens are strongly advised to consult a qualified immigration attorney prior to applying for naturalization, cancelling a voter registration, or traveling outside the United States," the advisory read.

For inquiries or concerns, Filipinos may contact the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., at 202-368-2767, 202-769-8049, or atn@phembassy-us.org.

— VDV, GMA News