Ho chi minh city: Despite scattered showers early on February 26, a large number of voters, including officers, soldiers, and workers on long-term offshore duty, gathered at early polling stations to exercise their civic right and obligation-electing deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels in Ho Chi Minh City for the 2026-2031 tenure. These voters come from the naval, coast guard, and fisheries resources surveillance units, permanent militia marine squadrons, along with oil and gas enterprises headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City. Due to their prolonged assignments at sea, they will be unable to return to shore in time for the nationwide Election Day on March 15.

According to Vietnam News Agency, Ho Chi Minh City established four early voting areas across Tam Thang and Phuoc Thang wards, and Long Son commune, ensuring all eligible voters could exercise their suffrage. The early voting initiative was crucial for those on long-term offshore duty, providing them an opportunity to participate in the electoral process despite their commitments at sea.