So what exactly is a general election, and how can we help our children understand this important national event?
At WRITERS AT WORK, we believe that teaching kids how the world works goes hand-in-hand with developing critical thinking and language skills. So, in this blog post, we break down the Singapore General Election into simple concepts for children and teenagers aged 10 to 15 — helping parents turn current events into teachable moments.
What Is a General Election, Really?
Think of Singapore’s General Election as our nation’s big decision-making moment. Every five years or so, adult Singaporeans (21 and above) vote to choose who will represent them in Parliament. These elected officials, called Members of Parliament (MPs), help make important decisions that affect everyone in Singapore.
For primary schoolers, you might explain: “Think of it as voting for class monitors, but on a national scale.”
For teenagers, it’s an opportunity to understand: “This is how citizens participate in shaping the country’s future by selecting representatives who align with their values and priorities.”
In short, different candidates “campaign” throughout Singapore to win votes, and the people decide who gets the job.
The Election Journey:
What Happens When Singapore Goes to the Polls?
The entire election process may sound complex, but here’s how to explain it to your kids clearly:
1. Parliament Is Dissolved
This means the previous group of MPs stops work to make way for new elections.
📌 Read more on the Singapore General Election
2. Writ Of Election Is Issued
This is an official announcement that starts the countdown to election day.
3. Nomination Day
Candidates submit their forms and officially announce they’re running for office — like registering for a school leadership role.
4. Campaigning
Parties and candidates go out to share their ideas and plans with the public. This includes posters, videos, speeches, and walkabouts — like show-and-tell on a national stage!
5. Cooling-Off Day
No more campaigning. Everyone takes time to reflect and make up their minds quietly.
6. Polling Day (3 May 2025)
On this public holiday (it will be a school holiday for kids), eligible Singaporeans cast their votes. Each voter chooses the candidate or team they believe will best represent their interests.
7. Results Night
After votes are counted, winners are announced. It’s often an exciting night filled with live updates and celebrations!
Why Should Young Singaporeans Care About Elections?
Even though children and teenagers can’t vote yet, understanding elections helps them:
- Develop a sense of belonging to Singapore
- Learn how decisions are made in our society
- Start thinking critically about different viewpoints
- Understand the concept of civic responsibility
At WRITERS AT WORK, we encourage students of all ages to express their thoughts clearly and respectfully – skills that serve them well both in school and in life. In fact, these are skills that are vital for a democratic society.
How Can Parents Start the Conversation about the General Election?
For Parents of Primary Schoolers:
- “If you could make one rule for our neighborhood, what would it be?”
- “What qualities make someone a good leader?”
- “Let’s watch the election news together for 10 minutes and talk about what we see.”
- Watch local news together and explain key terms like “constituency”, “campaign” or “polling station”.
- Use election-related topics as writing prompts! Example: “If you were an MP, what would you change in your neighbourhood?”
For Parents of Teenagers:
- “Which issues do you think are most important for Singapore’s future?”
- “How would you compare the different speeches presented by various political parties?”
- “What would you prioritize if you were an MP representing our area?”
These conversations help young Singaporeans connect with their national identity while building vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.
Election FAQs:
Kid-Friendly Answers
Q: Why Can’t I Vote Yet?
only Singaporeans aged 21 and above can vote
because voting requires a certain level of maturity and societal awareness.Q: What Is an MP? What Exactly Does an MP Do?
Simple answer: An MP, or Member of Parliament, is like a class monitor for adults. They represent a group of people in Singapore and help make national decisions. MPs speak up for the people in their area, help solve community problems, and work with other MPs to make decisions for Singapore. They also hold regular sessions to hear and help with residents’ concerns.
Q: How Often Do Elections Happen?
Singapore holds a general election roughly every 5 years, unless Parliament is dissolved earlier.
Q: How Do People Decide Who to Vote for?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ua
Simple answer: People consider the candidates’ ideas, experience, and which party they belong to. They choose who they think will best represent their interests.
corper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Q: What Are Political Parties? What Do They Do in a General Election?
Simple answer: Political parties are various groups of people with similar ideas about how to run Singapore. They compete during elections to win the chance to govern.
Q: What Happens If You Do Not Vote?
Simple answer: Voting is compulsory in Singapore. Those who do not vote will have their names removed from the Register of Electors.
Those who missed the voting this year will have to apply to restore their names to the register before they can vote again in subsequent elections.
Some acceptable reasons for not voting include being overseas for studies or vacation, or medical issues such as an illness. Those without an acceptable reason for not voting will need to pay a fee to restore their names because every vote has an impact on Singapore’s future.
Bringing Election Learning into Your Home
Elections provide an excellent opportunity for family learning:
- Create a “mock election” at home about a family decision
- Read age-appropriate news articles together
- Watch election coverage for short periods and discuss what you’ve seen
- Visit a community center where you might spot campaign activities
These activities make learning about democracy interactive and meaningful for children and teenagers alike. You can ask questions at home, read news designed for young readers, or discuss it in school with your teachers and friends to learn more about the general elections in Singapore.
Conclusion: Growing Tomorrow's Active Citizens
As parents and educators, we play a crucial role in helping young Singaporeans understand how their country works. By explaining elections in age-appropriate ways, we nurture curious minds who feel connected to their nation’s future.
At WRITERS AT WORK, we believe that when children understand real-world concepts, they write and speak with greater purpose and insight. By connecting current events with learning, we help them see that their voices matter – and that someday, those voices will help shape Singapore.
About the Author: Jemmies Siew
This article was authored by Jemmies Siew, Managing Director and Co-Founder of WRITERS AT WORK Enrichment Centre. With over 15 years of experience in education, entrepreneurship, and marketing, Jemmies has helped shape Singapore’s English enrichment landscape through her vision for transformative learning.
She is passionate about connecting real-world issues with language learning, helping students think critically and express themselves clearly. Connect with her on LinkedIn to follow her insights on education, content marketing, and thought leadership.
Want to help your child develop critical writing and comprehension skills? Explore our programs at www.writersatwork.com.sg
Election FAQ
What Is an Election?
An election is when voters choose who they want to represent them in government. In Singapore, this happens through general elections that are held at least once every five years.
What Does an MP Do?
An MP represents the people in his or her constituency and speaks up for them in Parliament.
MPs help make decisions about the country, suggest laws and work with government agencies to improve local services. They also hold regular sessions to hear and help with residents’ concerns.
Can Anyone Be an MP?
Not everyone is eligible. A person must:
- Be a Singapore citizen;
- Be at least 21 years old;
- Be on the electoral register;
- Be able to speak, read and write in at least one official language; and
- Have lived in Singapore for at least 10 years.
People who are bankrupt or have serious criminal records are not allowed to run.
What Happens If You Do Not Vote?
Voting is compulsory in Singapore. Those who do not vote will have their names removed from the Register of Electors.
Before they can vote again in subsequent elections, they will have to apply to restore their names to the register.
Some acceptable reasons for not voting include being overseas for studies or vacation, or medical issues such as an illness. Those without an acceptable reason for not voting will need to pay a fee to restore their names.
Can You Vote If You Live Overseas?
Yes, Singaporeans living overseas can vote, as long as they register in advance and meet certain qualifying criteria.
These voters can cast their votes either by post or at overseas polling stations located in several major cities, such as London, Dubai and Shanghai.
(Election FAQ SOURCES: The Straits Times, Elections Department Singapore)
