Voting In Singapore: An Easy Explanation For Kids

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Post on Apr 28, 2025

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Voting in Singapore: An Easy Explanation for Kids

Singapore's elections might seem mysterious, but they're actually pretty straightforward! Think of it as choosing your favourite team – except instead of choosing a sports team, you're choosing a group of people to run the country. These people are called Members of Parliament, or MPs for short. This article will explain the process in a simple way, making voting in Singapore easy to understand for kids.

What is Voting?

Voting is like a big class poll, but it decides who gets to make important decisions for the whole country. Every few years, Singaporeans who are 21 and older get to choose their MPs. These MPs then work together in Parliament to make laws and plans that affect everyone – from building new schools and parks to deciding on rules for keeping Singapore clean and safe.

Who Can Vote?

Only Singaporean citizens aged 21 and above are eligible to vote. This means you need to be a citizen of Singapore and have celebrated your 21st birthday. It's a really important right, and it's something to look forward to!

How Does Voting Work?

1. Finding Your Polling Station: Before voting day, you'll receive a notice telling you where to go to vote. This place is called a polling station. It's usually a school or community centre.

2. Showing Your ID: You’ll need to bring identification (ID) to prove you're registered to vote. This might be your NRIC (National Registration Identity Card).

3. Marking Your Ballot Paper: You'll receive a ballot paper with a list of candidates. Each candidate represents a political party. You’ll choose the candidate you want to represent your area (called a Group Representation Constituency or GRC, or a Single Member Constituency or SMC). You secretly mark your choice using a pen provided at the polling station. It's a secret ballot, so nobody can see who you vote for!

4. Casting Your Vote: Once you've made your choice, you'll put your ballot paper into a special box.

5. Leaving the Polling Station: And that’s it! You’ve voted!

Why is Voting Important?

Voting lets your voice be heard! It's how you help decide the future of Singapore. By voting, you choose the people who will make decisions about things that affect you, your family, and your community. It's a key part of being a citizen and helps shape a better Singapore for everyone.

Fun Facts about Voting in Singapore:

• Voting is free and compulsory for all eligible Singaporean citizens. This means you have to vote!
• Singapore has a very high voter turnout, meaning most eligible people vote.
• Voting day is a public holiday, so everyone can participate.

Learning More:

For more information, you can ask your parents or teachers, or visit the Elections Department website (insert relevant website address here if permissible). Understanding how voting works is an important step in becoming an informed and engaged citizen. So, remember, when you're old enough, your vote counts!