Singapore Presidential Election Voting Guide - What You Need to Do on 1 September!
Justin Ohā
Are you a first-time voter or someone who needs a reminder about what exactly to do during polling day on 1st September?
Well fret not as this guide will take you through exactly what this quick Singapore Presidential Election Voting Guide!
Do I Need to Vote?
If you are a Singaporean aged 21 and above, it is compulsory to vote, unless you are:
- working overseas (including being on a business trip) at the time of the poll;
- studying overseas at the time of the poll;
- living with their spouse who is working or studying overseas;
- overseas vacation; and
- illness, or delivering a baby.
More details here.
Singapore Presidential Election Voting Guide
Step 1: Find out when and where to vote
On Friday, 1 September 2023, you must cast your vote at your designated polling station any time between 8am to 8pm (no excuse toĀ pontengĀ or skip as it is a public holiday).
All eligible Singaporean citizens will receive a poll card by 25th AugustĀ at their latest ICA-registered residential address. You may also find an ePoll card on your Singpass app homepage (right below your cards).
The poll card will have all the details you need for polling day, including the address of your designated polling station.
Pro Tip: When you are on the ePoll card page on your Singpass app, you can use the “Check your polling station queue” function to see how crowded it is before heading down! Alternatively, scan the QR code on your poll card to access the VoteQ link.
Step 2: Bring your poll card and NRIC or valid passport to the polling station
If you prefer, you may now use your ePoll card and digital NRIC on the Singpass app! Thank you GovTech!
For uniformed personnel, an identity card issued by the Ministry of Defence, Singapore Police Force or Singapore Civil Defence Force will suffice.
While there have been efforts to ease the wait times as learnt from previous elections, be prepared to wait one to two hours in the queue.
Step 3: Cast your vote
At the polling station, you will be provided an “X” stamp to cast your vote. You will see three symbols, each representing one of the three presidential candidates:
Once you placed your vote, you’re all set! The inauguration of the new president will be on 14 September 2023.
FAQs
Is there a best time to vote?
It is hard to determine when is the best time. However, it is highly recommended that you check the queue status via your Singpass app (under ePoll card>”Check your polling station queue”).
What if I am away on polling day?
If you are unable to cast your vote on polling day, you will have your name struck from the Registers of Electors after the election. This will bar you from voting in future elections.
If you have a valid reason, don’t worry too much as all you need to do is restore your name.
Some of the acceptable reasons are:
- working overseas (including being on a business trip) at the time of the poll;
- studying overseas at the time of the poll;
- living with their spouse who is working or studying overseas;
- overseas vacation; and
- illness, or delivering a baby.
I’ve skipped a previous election and my name has been struck off the the Register of Electors. What do I do?
You may apply via the Elections Department website to restore your name. If you do not provide a valid and sufficient reason for not voting, you will be charged a $50 fee.
I’m currently overseas. Do I need to vote?
Overseas voting is optional IF you have an acceptable reason as stated above! If you are on holiday for example, you may skip voting this time. However, do remember to restore your name in the Registers of Electors.
I am currently overseas and want to vote. How do I do so?
For those who want to vote, you should have received an ePoll letter indicating the polling date and time, if you have registered to vote at an overseas polling station.
Singapore has 10 overseas polling stations in the following cities: Beijing, Canberra, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, New York, San Francisco, Shanghai, Tokyo and Washington.
The polling stations will be open from 8am to 8pm local time.
Alternatively, you may vote by post. All you need to do is to login to the Elections Department (ELD) website to print the postal ballot paper and return envelope.
What about seniors and caregivers who have trouble getting around?
Thankfully, there will be special drop-off points at polling stations to cater to those with special needs. There will be wheelchairs available and priority queueing as well.
One caregiver, who must be a valid voter, will be allowed to wait in the priority queue with such voters.
Election officials will also be there should you need any help.
In a pilot programme, about 25 to 30 nursing homes will also have polling stations set up on-site with mobile polling teams to assist those who are bed-bound.
