Similarity between Periodic List and Continuous Voters List
The distinction between registering resident versus nonresident voters is similar for the
continuous
list and the periodic list. A discussion of the requirements with respect to the periodic list can be
found in Resident versus Non-resident Voters.
Differences with the Continuous List
A periodic list and a continuous list differ in the procedures used to maintain an active
registration
while living abroad. For a periodic list system, there is no active registration. Instead, voters are
required to seek an opportunity to register to vote before each election. In contrast, with a
continuous list, voters living abroad may be allowed to apply for registration status before their
departure, and retain a valid registration without further applying for registration in anticipation
of
an election.
Australia provides a specific illustration of these more general procedures. A voter in Australia
who is travelling abroad, but who intends to return to Australia for residence within three years,
may be granted registration as an overseas elector. This would enable the elector to remain on
the
voters list, and exercise his or her right to vote by mail-in ballot in the event of an election during
the period abroad. However, although Australia has both mandatory voter registration and
mandatory voting, voters registered as 'eligible overseas electors' are not required to vote during
the period abroad.69
Absentee Voting
The Philippines recently decided to provide absentee voting for the party list election and the
national election in 1998, and for national, regional, local, and party list elections for 2004. All
voters must fulfill a number of requirements for eligibility, including maintaining a voting
residence, conforming with the age requirement, and certifying that he/she is a registered voter
and
has a voter ID. The voter may then indicate a desire to vote in an absentee ballot by transmitting
a
letter of intent to this effect.70
