Singapore 2025 Elections: The Quiet Factors That Could Shift the Vote
I’ll be honest—I’m not someone who follows politics closely. I don’t have strong opinions about parties, policies, or Parliament debates. But recently, life has made it harder to stay indifferent. When you’re juggling personal struggles, the state of the nation becomes personal too.
My mum has been unwell. She’s facing multiple issues—heart problems, bone pain, and digestion troubles—and her check-ups and appointments are now a monthly routine.
Even with Medisave, the costs still add up, and it’s not just about money—it’s time, energy, stress. I’ve looked into financial aid, but the process feels overwhelming.
To apply, you need to declare your debts, explain your spending habits, and in some cases, justify personal decisions that aren’t easy to share.
It’s tough when you're trying to hold things together and the system expects everything on paper.
And I know I’m not the only one.
Many young Singaporeans are going through quiet battles—supporting ageing parents, struggling with rising living costs, balancing work stress with mental health, and dealing with debt while trying to stay hopeful.
So no, I’m not a political expert.
But I am someone who hopes for a better future.
And in 2025, I’m taking this election more seriously—not because I suddenly care about politics, but because I care about life.
What You Need to Know About the 2025 General Election
Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s coming up:
Polling Day: Saturday, 3 May 2025 (It's a public holiday)
Polling Day is the day when Singaporeans go to the polls to vote for their Members of Parliament (MPs). This is when voters cast their ballots to decide who will represent them in Parliament.
Since it’s a public holiday, people have the day off to go vote.
It’s important to know that if you’re eligible to vote, you must do so on this day unless you’ve made arrangements for absentee voting.
Nomination Day: Wednesday, 23 April 2025
Nomination Day is the day when candidates officially declare their intention to run for election.
On this day, potential candidates submit their nomination papers, including their personal details and the necessary paperwork to stand for election.
This is also when voters get the final list of candidates running for each constituency.
If there’s only one group of candidates for a constituency, that group wins uncontested. But if there are multiple candidates, there will be a contest, and voters will decide between them.
Cooling-Off Day: Friday, 2 May 2025 – No campaigning allowed
Cooling-Off Day takes place the day before Polling Day.
It’s a day designated for voters to have some time to reflect on the election and make their final decisions.
During this day, campaigning, both online and offline, is strictly prohibited. This is to give voters a break from any last-minute political influence and ensure that the decision they make the next day is based on their own thoughts, without external pressure.
There’s also no distribution of flyers, no speeches, and no political ads on this day.
To vote, you need to be:
A Singapore citizen
At least 21 years old
Registered on the electoral roll
If you didn’t vote in the last election, your name might have been removed, but you can apply to get it reinstated.
What Are We Actually Voting For?
This election will decide the next 97 members of Parliament. These are split into:
15 Single Member Constituencies (SMCs)
18 Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs)
The ruling party—People’s Action Party (PAP)—will be defending its position with Lawrence Wong leading as Prime Minister for the first time. Other key parties include:
Workers’ Party (WP), led by Pritam Singh
Progress Singapore Party (PSP), led by Leong Mun Wai
But beyond parties and politics, what matters to us on the ground are the actual changes that affect our lives. That’s where the “quiet factors” come in.
The Issues That Don’t Always Make Headlines, But Matter Deeply
1. Cost of Living
From groceries to electricity bills to medical fees—everything seems to be getting more expensive. The government has rolled out some support packages, but for many of us, they’re not enough to cover rising daily costs, especially when our family depends on us.
2. Caring for Ageing Parents
For those of us in our late 20s and 30s, many are now caregivers too. We’re supporting parents with health issues while trying to grow our careers and possibly raise kids of our own. But are policies moving fast enough to support this “sandwiched generation”?
3. Financial Aid That’s Hard to Access
Many people avoid applying for help because the process feels cold. You have to open up your entire life—your bank records, your bills, your personal spending. Sometimes it feels like you’re being judged for even needing help in the first place.
4. Debt and Mental Strain
Debt isn’t always from poor choices—sometimes it's from doing what’s necessary. Medical bills, business setbacks, or just trying to stay afloat. But no one likes talking about it. And it can silently affect our mental health, our ability to plan ahead, or even to think long-term.
5. Youth Voice in Policy
The government has introduced “Forward Singapore” to engage young people, but the question is—how much are we actually being heard? Are policies reflecting our real struggles, or just our potential?
What to Expect on Polling Day
Voting is simple, but still important to be prepared:
Check your polling station (you'll get a letter or can check online)
Bring your NRIC or passport
Mark your choice clearly on the ballot
No political symbols, no talking politics at the station, and no photos
Remember: Cooling-Off Day (2 May) means no campaigning or political discussions online or offline. It’s a day for reflection before the vote.
Final Thoughts: Voting from the Heart
I’m not here to tell you who to vote for. But I am saying this—your vote matters more than you think. Especially if you’ve been feeling like no one really gets how hard life is right now. You’re not imagining it.
This election might not be dramatic, and you might not see huge changes overnight. But if enough of us vote from a place of honesty—thinking about the quiet factors that affect us every day—it can shift the direction of where we’re heading.
I’ll be voting this year not because I love politics, but because I love my mum. I love this country. I love the idea of a future where help is easier to get, where dignity doesn’t depend on how well you explain your struggles, and where more people like us feel seen.
