GE15: 5 things to take note of when casting your vote

Your vote is important so vote wisely for your future. Photos: The Star/Azhar Mahfof

Malaysia’s 15th General Election is in less than a month, and many people are anxiously waiting to vote.

There are over 21 million eligible voters this time round, according to the Election Commission (EC).

This is also the first time that Malaysians aged 18 to 20 are allowed to vote, after Parliament passed a law to lower the minimum voting age from 21.

To check details of your polling station, you can go to the EC website.

The EC opened the registration for domestic and international postal votes on Oct 10. The form can be downloaded from the EC website, while the office address and information of the Returning Officer is also available on the official portal.

Malaysians living abroad and agencies or organisations can apply for postal voting online.

For the rest who are physically casting their votes, here are some tips on what to do before going to the ballot box.

With over 21 million registered voters, GE15 is touted as the 'mother of all elections'.

Bring your MyKad

At the polling centre, officials will first check your identity to confirm you are Malaysian. Ensure you carry your original MyKad, not a photocopy of your identity card.

Don’t wear clothes with political logos

You are not allowed to go to the polling station wearing any clothes, caps or accessories that feature a political logo. Photo: FilepicDo not put on clothing or accessories (hat, brooch or earrings) that represent a political party.

For example, wearing emblems of your favourite party logo or the words “vote for” on your clothing is a no-no.

Those who are seen wearing outfits bearing the name of a candidate or emblem could be imprisoned for one year, or get fined up to RM5,000, or both, as stated in The Election Offences Act 1954 (Akta Kesalahan Pilihan Raya 1954).

The act also prevents voters from being within 50m of any polling station with an item of clothing bearing the name of a candidate or logo or symbol of any political party.

Keep the selifes and wefies of your purple finger after casting your vote.

Switch off your mobile device

Some voters might be tempted to share a video of their voting process on social media. Avoid doing this at the ballot table. Instead, put your phone on silent mode or, better still, switch off your phone. Concentrate on placing your vote.

Avoid painting your nails before casting your vote. Photo: The Star/Raja Faisal Hishan

No painted nails

Think twice about setting an appointment with your manicurist before polling day. The EC advises people to avoid getting their nails painted before GE15 because they will be stained with indelible ink. This is done to ensure there is no double-voting during GE15.

Check your ballot paper

Each ballot paper has a serial number and a certified stamp. Check your ballot paper to ensure they aren’t torn, misprinted or marked. If there are any issues with your ballot paper, seek help from an EC officer. Remember, your vote can change the country’s future for the better.

Selamat mengundi!