Failure to Vote for the People's Council Representatives: Is There a Penalty?

Does failing to vote for People's Council deputies result in a fine? If one does not register for temporary residence at their place of residence, can they still vote there? Where can military personnel vote for People's Council deputies?

Is there a penalty for not voting for People’s Council deputies?

Question:

I would like to ask, if during the upcoming elections for People’s Council deputies at all levels, I do not go to vote, will I receive a penalty? If so, what is the amount of the fine?

Answer:

According to Article 27 of the 2013 Constitution: Citizens who are 18 years of age or older have the right to vote and those who are 21 years of age or older have the right to stand for election to the National Assembly and the People’s Council. The implementation of these rights is governed by law.

And Article 2 of the 2015 Law on Election of Deputies to the National Assembly and Deputies to the People’s Councils stipulates the voting age as follows:

Up to the date of the announced election, citizens of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam who are 18 years of age or older have the right to vote, and those who are 21 years of age or older have the right to stand for election to the National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels as prescribed by this Law.

Thus, it can be seen that voting for People’s Council deputies at all levels is a right of every citizen. Currently, there are no documents that stipulate penalties for not voting for People’s Council deputies. The State encourages and motivates the exercise of the right to vote as an opportunity for citizens to choose appropriate representatives who reflect their will and aspirations, and to participate in the political system on their behalf.

Therefore, in case you do not participate in the election, you will not be penalized.

If not registered for temporary residence at the new place, can one not vote there?

Question:

I have been married for almost a year but have not transferred my residency and have not registered for temporary residence. So, can I vote at my current place of residence, or can I only vote where I have permanent residency?

Answer:

Clause 2, Article 29 of the 2015 Law on Election of Deputies to the National Assembly and Deputies to the People’s Councils stipulates:

Every citizen can only be listed in one voter list at a place of permanent or temporary residence.

You did not register for temporary residence at your current place of residence, so you can only be listed in the voter list at your place of permanent residency. Therefore, you cannot vote at your current place of residence but can only vote at your place of permanent residency.

Where should military personnel vote for People’s Council deputies?

Question:

According to regulations, where should military personnel vote for People’s Council deputies? I look forward to your response soon.

Answer:

According to Article 29 of the 2015 Law on Election of Deputies to the National Assembly and Deputies to the People’s Councils, it is stipulated:

1. Every citizen entitled to vote shall be listed in the voter list and issued a voter card, except for the cases specified in Clause 1, Article 30 of this Law.

2. Every citizen can only be listed in one voter list at a place of permanent or temporary residence.

3. Voters who are temporarily residing and have registered for temporary residence for less than 12 months, and voters who are military personnel in the people’s armed units, shall be listed in the voter list at the place of temporary residence or the place of military assignment to vote for National Assembly deputies and People’s Council deputies at the provincial and district levels.

....

Thus, according to the above regulation, voters who are military personnel should vote for People’s Council deputies at their place of military assignment.

Respectfully!