Votes Secrecy - Removal of Serial Numbers.
-
http://www.elections.gov.sg/secrecy.htm
So, is ballot secrecy compromised by reason of having a serial number?
Reasons behind the serial numbers:
Theoretically, it is possible for anyone with access to the ballot papers to identify who cast a particular vote. The link between the ballot paper number and the electoral register through the counterfoil does facilitate tracing from a ballot paper to a voter's identity on the register. However, ballot papers can be examined only under strict conditions, and there are safeguards that make it extremely difficult to find out how any particular voter voted.Counterfeiting of ballot papers and stuffing the lot into the ballot box cannot be completely ruled out. Then, there is "chained balloting", where the perpetrator hands a marked ballot paper to a voter to cast and buys a blank ballot paper from the voter on return from the polling station. He then marks the blank paper for the next voter from whom he can buy another blank vote. Finally, there is also the possibility of persons impersonating voters whom they know will not be voting.
The reasoning might be sufficient for some, however I beg to differ. Given the possibility of voterÂ’s identity being revealed, those within the Government sector cannot help but worry about the possible detrimental impact of their decision. The reasoning provided shows plain laziness on the part of the organizing electoral committee.
If the concern on hand is the counterfeiting of ballot papers, I would suggest that the ballot paper be contained within a sealed foil, only to be opened in full view of the conducting officer. The serial number would be printed on the foil. I agree that these would increase the manpower involved as well as the cost to carry out a single election, but try telling me that it is a bad attempt to ease the psychological concern of the voters regarding the secrecy of their votes.
But given the reputation of our present government who would stoop to all possible levels to gain the upper-hand for their electoral campaign, I doubt this or other suggestions would be even considered, let alone implemented. -
the only way they will listen is when there are at least 20 opposition in parliament and when CSJ goes in and give them nightmare... otherwise it is just more TKSS... and they raise their million dollars salaries and raise GST again and again...
-
The concerns voiced out by those in the Government sector is very real and should not be readily dismissed. Concerns voiced might sound incredulous to onlookers but very real to Civil Servants. They include:
1) Would my bonus or contract be affected by my decision?
2) It is easier to apply for HDB flats if you vote for the PAP.
There is no need for me list out all the fears. I would urge the PAP to remove this advantage that they currently possess.
Another trick by the PAP? I leave it for everyone to decide. -
"Under section 21A(2) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, no person who obtains any information recorded in any register of electors shall reproduce, store or transmit any part of the information by electronic or any other means for any purpose. Any person who knowingly contravenes the above shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both. "
http://singaporemedia.blogspot.com/2006/04/is-government-easing-up-on-old-media.html
You have just read warning message carried in official web page of the election office.
Voters from my neighbourhood received card send by PAP, with voter's name, address and actual official polling serial number.
Does PAP violate the section 21A(2) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, any comment?
Anyone here experienced the same thing? -
not surprising at all.. notice that the punishment for this offence is peanuts??
-
The ballot paper S/No can be retained but there is no need for the election officer to record down a ballot paper is casted by whom.
-
Originally posted by PRP:
What's the source of this information? I remember them ticking against my name with the serial number...
[b]The ballot paper S/No can be retained but there is no need for the election officer to record down a ballot paper is casted by whom.[/b] -
Another suggestion I think would be to have a tear-away stub (kinda like a movie ticket) With the serial number only on the stub. Meaning, in a step by step process
Officer ticks voter name agianst serial number,
the voter goes into the booth, makes the vote
Voter tears away the serial number stub,
dump stub into bin within booth.
Folds ballot ticket
Walks to ballot box,
Drop ticket in box.
(impt note : the voter may choose any box within the whole polling center arranged in a row after the voting booth)
Hence no serial number in the ballot box, similar to suggestion above by bigmouthjoe, maybe cheaper.
-
Yeah. That's a great idea. But an idea that would probably not be implemented.Originally posted by Jontst78:Another suggestion I think would be to have a tear-away stub (kinda like a movie ticket) With the serial number only on the stub. Meaning, in a step by step process
Officer ticks voter name agianst serial number,
the voter goes into the booth, makes the vote
Voter tears away the serial number stub,
dump stub into bin within booth.
Folds ballot ticket
Walks to ballot box,
Drop ticket in box.
Hence no serial number in the ballot box, similar to suggestion above by bigmouthjoe, maybe cheaper. 
-
The PAP bent the law through corruption,much like Thai Rak Thai.Originally posted by bigmouthjoe:http://singaporemedia.blogspot.com/2006/04/is-government-easing-up-on-old-media.html
Anyone here experienced the same thing? -
I hope they introduce a more level playing ground, I am not asking for a total and radical change in the government.Originally posted by ceecookie:The PAP bent the law through corruption,much like Thai Rak Thai.
The introduction of a more level-playing ground will encourage more capable people with different ideas, different perceptions to enter the political field... be it on the side of the PAP or Opposition. -
That would be great.However,the PAP is controlling everything and maunpulating the political laws such that the Government is effectively a mere puppet of the PAP Party,doing what the latter wantsOriginally posted by bigmouthjoe:I hope they introduce a more level playing ground, I am not asking for a total and radical change in the government.
The introduction of a more level-playing ground will encourage more capable people with different ideas, different perceptions to enter the political field... be it on the side of the PAP or Opposition. -
Such is the outcome of dominance... I am ashamed when I see the words "Democratic society" in our pledge.Originally posted by ceecookie:That would be great.However,the PAP is controlling everything and maunpulating the political laws such that the Government is effectively a mere puppet of the PAP Party,doing what the latter wants -
actually wif the serial or without the serial. my stand is clear:
VOTE FOR OPPOSITIONS!
removal of serial numbers can have negative impact, it will cost those assholes who try to be funny to void their vote. this nation is doom if everyone planning their decision to God. -
At least civil servants can vote with full confidence knowing their decision would not affect them in any way in their private lifes, silly as it sounds.Originally posted by 798:actually wif the serial or without the serial. my stand is clear:
VOTE FOR OPPOSITIONS!
removal of serial numbers can have negative impact, it will cost those assholes who try to be funny to void their vote. this nation is doom if everyone planning their decision to God. -
instead of requiring the removal of serial numbers, u should be urging singaporeans to stop being afraid of the government. it is only the election time the people have the choice to decide on who to rule sg.
most coward singaporeans are voting for government becos they scare their ricebowl r on the line.
so wat u r having a hard time if they r on harsh on u for voting opposition? potong pasir n hougang residents have shown us they have no fear. we should be following them too. -
It cannot happen overnight, people have their fears. Removing that fear is just a first step, our opposition is still in it's infancy, by the time our people is ready, our opposition is ready too.Originally posted by 798:instead of requiring the removal of serial numbers, u should be urging singaporeans to stop being afraid of the government. it is only the election time the people have the choice to decide on who to rule sg.
most coward singaporeans are voting for government becos they scare their ricebowl r on the line.
so wat u r having a hard time if they r on harsh on u for voting opposition? potong pasir n hougang residents have shown us they have no fear. we should be following them too.
Every little step, is a big step towards real democracy.
PS: Can't wait for the next election! Hope there is no walkover in my area! -
The Election Commission should be taken away from the Prime Minister's Office and be an independant body.
-
Originally posted by bigmouthjoe:
What purpose would that serve when the Elections Commission is accountable to the the Prime Minister's Office to begin with?
If the concern on hand is the counterfeiting of ballot papers, I would suggest that the ballot paper be contained within a sealed foil, only to be opened in full view of the conducting officer. The serial number would be printed on the foil.
-
Even without the modern technologies used in printing secure currency notes, the simple act of accounting the number of voters at each election centre with the number of ballot papers received should already be a clear indication whether a ballot box has been stuffed.
Ballot box stuffing can cut into the interest of all political parties.
If serial numbers are used to ensure that the correct numbers of voters match the ballot papers casted, it will then be imperative that all opposition members be present when the ballot papers are inspected.
The electoral register for each constituency should be kept with all the ballot papers, and similarly destroyed with the ballot papers after the entire election process is satisfactorily concluded.
To prevent the ballot boxes from being opened after correct accounting, the ballot boxes will need to be ''wax sealed'' by the candidates for the respective constituencies, and the boxes stored in a safe room with the door padlocked by the different political parties - each holding a key to their individual padlock.
The padlock will need also to be ''wax sealed'' to prevent any master locksmith from opening all the locks with their expert skill. -
In my opinion, they are just wasting time and resources.
They have so many databases, can't they just use them properly.
Rather than have this, have that to foil this and that, make use of the current resources. -
Mmh how can databases contribute towards removing the pyschological fear attributed to the serial numbers?Originally posted by ndmmxiaomayi:In my opinion, they are just wasting time and resources.
They have so many databases, can't they just use them properly.
Rather than have this, have that to foil this and that, make use of the current resources. -
Doesn't mean that if the ballot boxes are sealed properly, there couldn't be any leak of voting information.Originally posted by Atobe:Even without the modern technologies used in printing secure currency notes, the simple act of accounting the number of voters at each election centre with the number of ballot papers received should already be a clear indication whether a ballot box has been stuffed.
Ballot box stuffing can cut into the interest of all political parties.
If serial numbers are used to ensure that the correct numbers of voters match the ballot papers casted, it will then be imperative that all opposition members be present when the ballot papers are inspected.
The electoral register for each constituency should be kept with all the ballot papers, and similarly destroyed with the ballot papers after the entire election process is satisfactorily concluded.
To prevent the ballot boxes from being opened after correct accounting, the ballot boxes will need to be ''wax sealed'' by the candidates for the respective constituencies, and the boxes stored in a safe room with the door padlocked by the different political parties - each holding a key to their individual padlock.
The padlock will need also to be ''wax sealed'' to prevent any master locksmith from opening all the locks with their expert skill.
With the technologies these days, it's possible to print the serial numbers with special inks (not visible to the naked eye). During the counting of votes, all they have to do is scan the ballot with a special camera (with the current digital technology), a small camera hidden in a table lamp isn't that difficult.
An issue was raise by Mr. Ling How Doong, during the last General Election. He said that during the counting of the votes in his district, they scan the ballot paper under a table lamp for an abnormally long time. I wonder if there are specialised cameras hidden in these lamps.
The deed could be done before the ballot boxes are sealed. -
During one of the elections, I tried to test the system, I tried to exchange voting slips in front of the staff in the election department with my parents. They stopped me, said that each person's voting slip is personal. Hehehe......
-
It eliminates the use of serial numbers and uses the citizens own IC numbers instead. Since the databases already have such details, why not use it?Originally posted by bigmouthjoe:Mmh how can databases contribute towards removing the pyschological fear attributed to the serial numbers?
In any case, all who can vote will be in the database. On voting day, they have to register themselves. So if they try anything funny (such as counterfeiting, trying to vote more than one time), the databases results would show that have voted.
Impersonating is also impossible, since it is tied to the IC number. Unless somebody's IC is stolen (and must be the correct one, given that not all citizens could vote).
Also, nobody from the government or any of the political parties should be handling it. An independent company will be handling the whole process.
The voting card will also not bear any details except who they vote for. No IC, no name, no anything.