Elections department introduces improvements for the upcoming General Election

Earlier today (Nov 29), the Elections Department unveiled a series of improvements for the next General Election that would bring about a more seamless administrative and voting process for candidates and voters.

In a press release, the department revealed the following:

For Voters

In an attempt to digitalise services, voters will be able to log in online using their SingPass and check information on voting eligibility, electoral division, polling district and voter serial number.

During voting, voters will also be able to go through eRegistration, where their NRICs can be scanned by election officials instead of being manually checked against the electoral roll.

One of the more prominent changes implemented would be a self-inking pen that will replace conventional pens at voting booths. These allow voters to stamp a cross on the ballot paper to indicate their vote. Self-inking pens are also used by voters in countries such as South Korea and Taiwan, and cost about S$5 each. According to the ELD, the new pens allow voters to mark their choice without ambiguity. They require minimal pressure to be used and are suitable for elderly people. The use of these pens are also an attempt to decrease the number of invalid or rejected votes with ambiguous markings, signatures or vulgar words and pictures.

The ELD will also be deploying mechanical counting machines to tally votes at counting centres, to speed up the counting process.

For Candidates

Candidates can log in online to pay their election deposit and get a receipt online, saving themselves a trip to the Accountant-General’s Department. They will also be able to apply for a political donation certificate and appoint election agents online.

Candidates will also be able to draft their nomination papers electronically. If an electoral division is specified, the system will automatically check if a candidate’s proposer, seconder and assenters are in the relevant register of electors.

The entire list of improvements can be found here.

/TISG