SINGAPORE, July 2 (NNN-CNA) – Singaporeans serving stay-home notices (SHN), will be able to leave their homes to vote at their assigned polling stations on Polling Day, but can do so only during a one-hour slot.
In announcing the voting arrangements for the July 10 polls – which is happening amid the COVID-19 pandemic – the Elections Department (ELD) said, a special voting hour between 7.00 and 8.00 pm will be set aside for certain groups of voters. They include those on medical leave for acute respiratory infection, and those who are detected with a temperature of 37.5 deg C and higher, at polling stations on Polling Day.
The arrangements would minimise these people’s contact with others, while still allowing them to exercise their right to vote, the ELD said.
COVID-19 patients and those who are on quarantine orders, however, will not be allowed to vote, to reduce the risk of community transmission. There are about 350 voters in these two groups as of Tuesday.
The ELD consulted the Ministry of Health on voting arrangements, and permission has been granted for those on 14-day SHN at home and on medical leave for acute respiratory infection, to leave their homes to vote during the special voting hour. As of Tuesday, there are about 360 voters serving their SHN at home.
These voters will have to abide by strict rules, including travelling to their assigned polling station directly and returning home immediately after voting.– NNN-CNA