Jobaaj Stories
Polling Day 2025: A Public Holiday in Singapore
Singapore's General Election 2025 is fast approaching, with Polling Day set for Saturday, May 3rd, 2025. This means a public holiday for all Singaporeans, and understanding your rights and responsibilities as both a voter and an employee is crucial.
Polling Day as a Public Holiday
In accordance with Section 35 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, May 3rd, 2025, is officially a public holiday. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has clarified that this should be treated like any other public holiday under the Employment Act. This impacts both employers and employees significantly.
Employee Rights on Polling Day
For employees covered by the Employment Act, the key takeaway is paid time off. If your workplace is closed on May 3rd, you're entitled to either a day off or salary in lieu. If you're required to work, you’re entitled to an extra day's salary or another day off. Furthermore, employers can offer time-off-in-lieu (based on mutually agreed hours) for certain employees: workmen earning over S$4,500 a month, non-workmen earning over S$2,600 a month, and all managers and executives. Remember, if Polling Day falls on your usual rest day, a day off or equivalent pay is still owed to you.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers must ensure that all employees have ample time to vote. This means providing reasonable time off for voting. The MOM website provides detailed information on the Employment Act's public holiday provisions to guide employers in complying with the regulations.
Nomination Day: A Quick Overview
Before Polling Day, Nomination Day will take place on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025. Prospective candidates must meet specific requirements, including holding a Political Donation Certificate and being accompanied by a proposer, seconder, and assentors. More details can be found on the Elections Department (ELD) website.
Key Takeaways
Polling Day 2025 will be a significant event. Remember: May 3rd is a public holiday. Employees have specific rights regarding paid time off, and employers have clear responsibilities. For detailed information on your rights and responsibilities, refer to the MOM and ELD websites.
