This article originally appeared on Vulcan Post.
I guess it’s official, the elections are coming.
Local news sources have confirmed that President Tony Tan Keng Yam has announced the dissolution of Parliament on Tuesday (Aug 25). When the President issues the Writ of Election, it will state the start of the General Election. Nomination Day and Polling Day will be set within three months from today.
Voters have been speculating the official polling days on social media, with a popular rumour stating that polling day would fall on September 12. But September 12 or not, it looks like we’ll have to be ready for the General Elections to officially begin.
[UPDATE]
Polling day and nomination day has officially been announced. Nomination Day, the day when candidates are required to present their nomination papers and certificates to the Returning Officer, will be on Sep 1. Polling Day will be on Sep 11, which will be a public holiday.
Since Sep 11 is on Friday, I guess it means we’ll have a long weekend?
With Polling Day officially on the horizon, here’s what you need to know as a voter.
Polling Day Check List
1. Are You Eligible To Vote?
Your name must be in the certified register of electors of a constituency in order to be eligible to vote in that constituency, so be sure to verify your personal particulars via the eServices available at the official elections website to find out your voter status. You’ll need your SingPass details, so I hope you have your password handy!
2. Your Poll Card Is Key
As an eligible voter, you will receive a Poll Card via mail from the Elections Department. You should receive it within 3 days after Nomination Day. If not, call the election hotline, email the Elections Department, or visit any community centre/club to obtain another poll card.
This poll card is important because it will tell you where your polling station is, and you will be required to bring it to polling with you. Each polling station opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m, so plan your day right to make sure you get to the polling station in time.
3. Bring Your Identification Documents and Poll Card on Polling Day
You will need to bring some form of identification along with you when you vote. Photocopies are not applicable, so make sure you have the recognised identification documents as stated below:
- National Registration Identity Card (NRIC)
- Singapore Passport
- Identity cards issued by Ministry of Defence, Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force (for uniformed personnel only)
4. Get an Official Ballot Paper and vote
Once you get to a polling station, get hold of the election official to start the process. According to the official elections portal, you may be asked to make a declaration of identity and sign the declaration before being given a ballot paper.
Once you’ve received the ballot paper, mark your choice clearly with an X in the box space opposite the name and symbol of the candidate/candidates of your choice, and drop the folded ballot paper into the ballot box. Do not make any other marks on the ballot paper or show it to anyone else in the polling station, or your vote may be nullified.
5. If you’re overseas, register to be an overseas elector
Singaporeans stationed overseas will also be able to vote, but will need to apply as an overseas elector. You will be able to do so as long as you are over 21 years old, have your name in the current register of electors, are not banned from being an elector under any law, and have resided in Singapore for an aggregate of at least 30 days during the three years immediately before that date. You can do so here.
You will then be assigned one of the overseas polling stations located within Singapore’s High Commissions, Embassies or Consulates.
6. Do not bring these things to a polling station
Polling station security is strict, and things brought in may be subjected to security checks. In the interest of a faster polling process, avoid bringing these things into the polling station.
- Cameras
- Video Cameras
- Alcohol
- Sharp Objects
- Campaign Material
- Large Bags
- Animals/Pets (except guide dogs)
7. Vote smart!
Remember, this is the future of not just your estate, but your country! Remember to do your research before polling day, find out more about who the candidates are and what they aim to do in your GRC/SMC.