IDs for new Pinoy voters in Jeddah now ready

Voter's IDs for Filipino OAV Registrants Now Available Arab News Qualified Filipino absentee voters in the western region of Saudi Arabia who registered between 2005 and 2006 can already claim their voter’s identification card at the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah. In a press statement, the consulate said the IDs can be collected at the consular and passport releasing window from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays to Wednesdays, and from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Thursdays. Those who have registered may first check the availability of their IDs by calling 660-0348, 663-0354, or 667-0925 before coming, the statement said. A list of the available IDs is also posted at the OAV bulletin board at the consulate’s garage area. A voter has to present the voter’s ID to be allowed to vote. Filipino absentee voters in Saudi Arabia will have to personally cast their vote in the senatorial and party-list elections at the consulate or embassy nearest their place of residence or work where they are registered. Overseas absentee voters have 30 days voting period starting on April 14 and end at exactly 3 p.m. (Philippine time) of election day in the Philippines, May 14. Registered seafarers will still have to cast their ballots in person at the embassy/consulate where they are registered within 60 days before the close of the elections in the Philippines. Counting of votes will be performed by the embassies and consulates immediately after the close of the voting precincts, which should be simultaneous with the close of the precincts in the Philippines at 3 p.m. of May 14. The proceedings will be open to public viewing, and watchers from representing candidates and political parties will be given access in accordance with Comelec guidelines. These guidelines and other election updates will be disseminated as the election period approaches. - GMANews.TV