Singaporeans eagerly await the outcome of the presidential election, and the Elections Department (ELD) has introduced a new feature that offers an early indication of the results even before the final tally. This feature, known as the sample count, aims to provide clarity, prevent speculation, and ensure transparency during the election process.
The Sample Count: An Introduction
The sample count is a pivotal aspect of Singapore’s presidential election process. It involves publishing a preliminary result based on a subset of votes, offering citizens an early glimpse into the potential outcome. This count is conducted promptly after polling concludes, around two to three hours after the polls close at 8pm.
Reasons for Having a Sample Count
A primary reason for conducting a sample count is to counteract misinformation and speculation that might arise from unofficial sources during the vote-counting phase. The ELD website emphasizes that this approach maintains accuracy and reduces confusion, especially when the election results are expected to take several hours to finalize. Additionally, the sample count acts as a point of reference for election officials to verify the final tally.
The Sample Count Process
Step 1: Random Selection
The sample count process commences at the start of the vote-counting procedure. A counting assistant selects a random bundle of 100 ballot papers from the votes cast at a specific polling station. This action is carried out in the presence of candidates and counting agents.
Step 2: Calculating the Votes
Votes for each candidate are meticulously added up, providing a preliminary estimate of their support. The tally from each polling station is adjusted to account for varying numbers of votes cast. This adjustment ensures fairness by giving more weight to polling stations with higher voter turnout.
Step 3: Validity and Exclusions
The sample count only considers valid votes and excludes spoilt ballots. It also disregards votes from nursing homes, a novel approach introduced in the 2023 Presidential Election to facilitate elderly residents’ voting.
Accuracy of Sample Counts
The accuracy of the sample count is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the election process.
Confidence Rate and Margin of Error
Singapore’s sample count boasts a 95 percent confidence rate, with a margin of error of 4 percentage points. This means that the sample count estimate should not deviate by more than 4 percent from the actual voting result for 95 percent of the estimates made.
Results – When?
As the polling stations cease their operations on the upcoming Friday, the 1st of September, an early glimpse into the verdict of the presidential election will be unveiled to the people of Singapore, likely between the hours of 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm. This preliminary insight will be made accessible courtesy of the Elections Department (ELD) website, as it releases the findings derived from a representative tabulation. This preliminary account is anticipated to be ready for perusal roughly two to three hours subsequent to the formal closure of polling activities, a time estimated around 8:00 pm.
Nevertheless, the comprehensive and conclusive tally is slated to emerge in the vicinity of midnight. The weighty outcome, which carries the significance of determining the presidential victor, is poised to surface at this later juncture.