Elections Explained for Kids: What Happens When Singapore Votes? 🇸🇬

Hello, Mighty Ones!

Singapore is buzzing with excitement because Polling Day is just around the corner — it’s happening on 3 May 2025! 🗳️

You might have seen colourful posters, smiling politicians on TV, or your parents chatting about “candidates” and “voting”. But what does it all mean? Let’s break it down into bite-sized bits so you can understand what happens when Singapore goes to the polls!

🗺️ Step 1: Drawing the Boundaries

Before an election begins, the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee looks at changes in where people live and how many people are in each area.

They make sure every part of Singapore is fairly divided into areas called electoral divisions. These areas can be either:

• Single Member Constituencies (SMCs) – looked after by one Member of Parliament (MP)

• Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs) – looked after by a team of MPs, including someone from a minority community to represent Singapore’s diversity.

🏛️ Step 2: Dissolving Parliament

The Prime Minister asks the President to “dissolve” Parliament — that means saying goodbye to the current team of MPs, so that voters can choose new ones.

Next, a special announcement called the Writ of Election is made, which starts the election process!

✍️ Step 3: Nomination Day

On 23 April 2025, political parties and individuals who want to be MPs gathered at places like Deyi Secondary School to officially register.

Each candidate needs:

• A proposer (someone to suggest them)

• A seconder (someone to support the suggestion)

• At least four assentors (people who agree with the choice)

They also have to pay an election deposit!

Fun Fact: If only one person or team signs up in an area, they automatically win! This is called a walkover.

🎤 Step 4: Campaign Time

This is when things get exciting!
Candidates visit neighbourhoods, hold rallies, and appear on TV and social media to share their ideas and plans.

There are rules too — they can’t just put up banners anywhere! Everything must be approved first to keep things fair.

🧘‍♂️ Step 5: Cooling-Off Day

The day before voting is called Cooling-Off Day. No more speeches, banners or campaigning allowed!

It’s time for everyone to think carefully about who they want to vote for, without distractions.

🗳️ Step 6: Polling Day

On 3 May 2025, Singaporeans will go to polling stations (often in schools) to vote.
Here’s what happens:

• Voters check in

• They get a ballot paper

• They head to a booth alone

• They stamp an “X” next to the candidate or team they support!

Voting is secret — no one knows who you voted for.

After voting closes at 8pm, the ballot boxes are sealed and sent to counting centres. By late night or early morning, we’ll know who the new MPs are!

❓ Election FAQs for Curious Minds

What is an election?
An election is when people choose who they want to lead and speak for them in government.

What do MPs do?
MPs help make laws, speak up for residents, and work to improve local services like parks and transport.

Can anyone become an MP?
Not everyone! You must be a Singapore citizen, at least 21 years old, and able to speak an official language. You can’t be bankrupt or have a serious criminal record.

What if someone doesn’t vote?
Voting is compulsory! If you don’t vote without a good reason, your name can be removed from the list of voters — and you’ll have to apply and possibly pay a fee to be allowed to vote again.

Can Singaporeans overseas vote?
Yes! Singaporeans living overseas can vote by post or at special overseas polling stations like in London or Dubai.

🎉 Why Elections Matter

Elections let everyone have a say in who runs the country. It’s like choosing a team captain — you pick someone you trust to make good decisions for you and your friends.

So even if you’re too young to vote now, it’s important to learn about elections — because one day, you’ll be shaping Singapore’s future too! 🇸🇬🌟