The past month has been rife with hype on the General Elections, so it’s only natural that 10th July 2020 – a.k.a. voting day – is highly anticipated among Singaporeans nationwide.
For a first-time voter, the entire experience of voting can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially since it’ll be your first time walking into that polling station and casting your vote. If you want to make sure you get it right, here’s a simple guide to what you can expect when voting for the first time:
Image credit: @silly_dilly_hill_billy
In case you don’t already know, you first have to meet some very basic criteria in order to vote on polling day:
You should also have received your poll card in the mail by now, but if you haven’t, checking your voting eligibility is incredibly easy. Just head on over to the Elections Department Services (EDS) website and login using your SingPass to check your status. You can also go to your nearest community centre to do so.
If you’re residing overseas or have previously been disqualified from voting, you can also apply to restore your eligibility online.
The holy grail of eligibility checks and appeals can be found at this link.
A poll card is basically like your passport to voting. You’ll need to bring it along when you go to the polling station, along with your NRIC or passport.
Example of a poll card
Image credit: EDS
Your poll card basically shows the following information:
If you’ve lost your poll card, you can also use an electronic version by logging into the EDS website using your SingPass.
With so many factors to think about, from registration to ballot papers, the process of voting may seem complicated to first-timers. But rest assured it’s actually pretty straightforward, especially since like any official event out there, there’ll likely be adequate signage and people to help guide you along.
But if you’re still not sure, here’s how you can expect the process to be like:
Image credit: EDS
It’s important to note that you’ll need to bring your original NRIC or passport with you to the polling station as photocopies will be a no-go. Should you be unable to make it during your allotted polling time, the polling station will be open from 8AM-8PM.
Voting is as serious and official as it gets, so paired with COVID-19 measures, here are some important things you need to take note of when at the polling station.
Voters will be required to have their temperatures taken
Image credit: MOH
COVID-19 safety measures:
When casting your vote:
At the polling station:
If you’re a first-time voter or simply need a refresher as to how voting day goes in Singapore, this guide’s for you. Just take note of the important do’s and don’ts, follow the instructions given on your poll card and at the polling station, and you’re good to go!
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Cover image adapted from: @ferniegurtina
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