After weeks of campaigning hype – and perhaps some meme-worthy moments – Singaporeans will come together to vote for their new president on September 1 2023. We already know that Polling Day has been declared an official public holiday, but more importantly, what does the whole voting process actually entail? Well, worry not if you’re a clueless first-timer or just need a refresher, for here’s an ultimate guide to voting in the Singapore Presidential Election 2023.
Who are the candidates running for President in Singapore?
There are three candidates running for the Singapore Presidential Election 2023, namely: Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Peter Ng Kok Song, and Tan Kin Lian. They are each respectively represented by symbols of a pineapple, an open palm with a heart in the middle, and four people reaching up towards a flower.
George Goh’s application for a Certificate of Eligibility was rejected by the Presidential Election Committee (PEC), and he is thus unable to run for President.
Do I have to vote?
Yes, voting is compulsory for all Singapore Citizens aged 21 years and above who are eligible to do so.
How do I find out where my polling station is?
Polling stations are usually housed within schools, which will all be closed for lessons for the day. Void decks may also be converted into polling stations. Rest assured that no matter where your polling station is, it will be of comfortable walking distance from your registered home address.
If you have yet to do so, check your letterbox for your poll card; the card should indicate where your designated polling station is. Alternatively, open up your Singpass app for a peek at your electronic poll card (ePoll card), where the same location will also be stated.
Do I need to bring anything?
Make sure you have your physical National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) (or valid passport) and poll card with you on voting day – you will not be allowed to vote without them, and photocopies will not be accepted. But not all’s lost if you happen to leave the house in a rush without these essentials, as there is also the option of using your ePoll card and digital NRIC via the Singpass app.
You can arm yourself with a water bottle, but keep it clean – alcohol is prohibited. Other banned items include cameras, filming equipment, sharp objects, and any sort of campaign material. You’ll also have to leave your children and pets (except guide dogs) at home; only those who are voting are allowed in.
What time should I head down to vote?
Polling stations are open from 8am to 8pm on voting day. There is no “best” time to vote as the crowds can be highly unpredictable, but you’d probably want to give yourself a headstart in the morning if you wish to have the rest of your day free for other activities.
TIP Visit the VoteQ website and key in your postal code to find out how many people are waiting at your designated polling station at any given time.
How do I indicate my choice of candidate on the ballot slip?
‘X’ marks the spot – simply use the provided ‘X’ stamp to indicate your choice on the voting slip. You can also use your own pen to mark an ‘X’ on it. Do not make any other irrelevant marks on the ballot paperp. Once done, fold your ballot slip in half with the printed portion on the inside, and drop it off into the ballot box.
To clear any confusion, your poll card is NOT your ballot slip, so don't write or draw on it. It's merely a means of voter identification. The ballot slip is an entirely different item that will only be given to you at the polling station on Polling Day itself.
What are the consequences of not voting?
You won’t be thrown into jail or be slapped with a fine, but failing to vote in the Singapore Presidential Election will result in your name being taken off the Registers of Electors – which means you won’t be able to vote in the next election. You may restore this status online via Singpass, but will have to pay an admin fee to do so if you don’t have a valid reason for not voting.
Can Singaporeans based overseas vote?
Yes. There are a total of 10 overseas polling stations for Singaporeans, located in Beijing, Canberra, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, New York, San Francisco, Shanghai, Tokyo and Washington. Do note that you’ll first have to register as an overseas elector via Voter Services on Singpass. Otherwise, you can also opt to vote via post.
Bear in mind that overseas voting only applies to Singaporeans who are living abroad, and not those who are merely on vacation.
What if I’m on holiday or need to work during the voting period?
Polling Day has been declared an official public holiday, but depending on your work contract, you might still be required to report for duty. Should that happen, you will be entitled to a day’s worth of additional salary, or be granted a rest day or time off in lieu on a separate date. Working on Polling Day doesn’t mean you don’t have to vote, mind you – your company should respect your right to vote and allow you sufficient time for the task.
Being on a holiday that was planned prior to Polling Day is a valid reason for not voting, as are work trips, overseas studies, illness, and childbirth. Your name will still get struck off the Registers of Electors for not voting due to the aforementioned reasons, but you will be able to reinstate it free of charge.
Can I vote online?
No, you cannot. Even if you choose to present your digital NRIC and ePoll card via your mobile phone, you will not be able to vote online via Singpass or any other platform. Voting can only be done on paper, in person.
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