Implementation of Earlier Polling Hours for Polling Day

5 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance whether polls can be opened earlier than 8 am on Polling Day of an election to further assist voters who are working on Polling Day and have difficulty getting time-off during polling hours from 8 am to 8 pm.

Mr Chan Chun Sing (for the Prime Minister): Under the law, Polling Day of any General Election or Presidential Election is a public holiday. However, we recognise that some voters may still have to work despite Polling Day being a public holiday. As such, polls are open from 8 am to 8 pm to allow enough time for voters to vote.

The law also provides that every employer must allow every voter in his employ a reasonable amount of time to vote. Employees who have to work on Polling Day should make arrangements with their employers to enable them to vote during Polling Day. With the support of employers and the 12-hour window for polling, all voters should be able to cast their votes even if they work on Polling Day without extension of the polling hours.