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Not true that GE2020 self-inking pens not stamping properly, rendering votes invalid: ELD

Queuing to vote at Dunearn Secondary School, while observing safe distancing in Singapore's GE2020. (Photo: Dhany Osman)
Queuing to vote at Dunearn Secondary School, while observing safe distancing in Singapore's GE2020. (Photo: Dhany Osman)

SINGAPORE – Information that self-inking pens provided at the polling stations for the 2020 General Election (GE2020) do not stamp properly – rendering many votes invalid – is not true, said the Elections Department (ELD).

In a press statement on Polling Day (Friday, 10 July), ELD said it is aware of such false information circulating online and on instant messaging platforms.

“ELD would like to state categorically that this is not true. The self-inking pens allow voters to indicate their choice on the ballot papers clearly and easily, and make a stamp without having to press down hard on the ballot paper,” ELD said.

“Ballot papers with more than one ‘x’ or only a faint mark in the same box are still valid.”

As of 10am, said the ELD, 350,000 voters, or some 13 per cent of registered voters, have cast their votes at polling stations in Singapore.

ELD added, “We strongly encourage voters to check the queue situation at their assigned polling stations (http://VoteQ.gowhere.gov.sg) before setting off to vote.”

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