GE2020: Overseas Singaporeans in 10 cities can cast vote at polling stations

SINGAPORE — Singaporeans living in 10 cities overseas will be able to vote in the coming General Election, subject to the approval of the authorities in the city where they are.

The 10 overseas polling stations that Singaporeans may cast their votes are in Beijing, Canberra, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, New York, San Francisco, Shanghai, Tokyo and Washington.

The Elections Department Singapore (ELD) said on Monday (June 29) in a press release that the election’s Returning Officer had consulted with the foreign affairs and health ministries here about the Covid-19 situation in the 10 cities before deciding on this.

Details of the voting procedures will be sent to registered overseas voters after Nomination Day on June 30.

ELD said that it would work with overseas polling stations to implement the necessary measures to ensure the safety of voters and election officials.

Singaporeans who choose to return to vote may do so but will have to serve a 14-day stay-home notice, either at dedicated facilities or at their place of residence.

ELD said that returnees in dedicated facilities can vote there, away from other voters, while arrangements will also be made for those serving stay-home notices at their own homes to minimise contact with election officials and other voters.

Details of these arrangements will also be made available to returning Singaporeans after June 30.

On May 4, a Bill allowing Singaporeans serving stay-home notices to vote was passed in Parliament. These are part of special arrangements to ensure that safe elections can be held during the Covid-19 pandemic.