SINGAPORE: Singaporeans who failed to cast their votes in the 2025 General Election can apply to have their names restored to the registers of electors from Friday (May 30), the Elections Department (ELD) said.

In a media release, ELD said that eligible voters who did not vote have been removed from the registers of electors, in accordance with the Parliamentary Elections Act.

From Friday, Singapore citizens will be able to check their voter status and apply to restore their names to the registers if needed via the Singpass app and the ELD website.

They will also be able to do so at community centres and clubs, ServiceSG centres and the ELD office. Those visiting the ELD office can book an appointment on ELD's website or by calling 1800 225 5353.

Overseas Singaporeans may do so at Singapore overseas missions serving as overseas registration centres.

"We encourage non-voters to apply to restore their names to the registers so that they can vote at the next election," said ELD. 

"Under the law, ELD will not be able to restore their names from the date the writ for an election is issued until after Nomination Day if the election is not contested, or until after Polling Day if a poll is to be taken."

This year's General Election saw the lowest voter turnout since 1968, with 92.47 per cent of voters turning up to cast their ballots.

By comparison, turnout stood at 95.63 per cent in 2020, 93.56 per cent in 2015 and 93.06 per cent in 2011.

The polls, held on May 3, came shortly after the Labour Day public holiday on a Thursday. This meant many working adults took Friday, May 2, off to enjoy a four-day weekend – a likely reason for increased travel and lower turnout, analysts told CNA.

The perceived quality of opposition party candidates in some constituencies could also have been a factor, a political observer said.