Over 2.6 million Thais are today set to cast their votes in advance ahead of the July 3 election, representing more than 5 per cent of the total eligible voters. Their returns will not be counted until July 3, when all returns are collected by the Election Commission.
Out of the country’s 47 million eligible voters, about 2.6 million have registered to exercise their right in advance as they will not be in their constituencies on election day. Another 210,000 Thais also have registered for advance voting in their constituency. But if they do not exercise their right today these people can still cast their votes on July 3 at their respective constituencies.
Public disclosure of opinion polls will be banned one week ahead of the July 3 election, but pollsters can still do their work. Advance voting will run from 8am-3pm. Election Commission member Wisut Potitaen said the EC is all set for today’s voting. From 6pm yesterday until midnight today, sales of alcoholic drinks are prohibited.
“This is a general election held nationwide. So I’d like to remind all people not to violate the laws. Some people think this is a petty issue, but it’s not. Gambling has more penalties than selling alcohol,” Wisut said. The penalty for alcohol sales include six-month jail terms.
Full Article: Stage set for advance voting.