First-time voters find it exciting yet nerve-racking


Making it count: (Top) Healcy cast her vote at SJKC Chung Hwa Tamparuli; (right) Nur Alya was excited to cast her first ever vote. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE / The Star

TAMPARULI: Excited yet nervous; that was how first time voters described the experience of casting their ballots.

Student and first-time voter Nur Alya Ramadhani, 19, said the whole process was exciting, knowing she could play a role in determining Sabah’s future. 

It was also an unforgettable experience for her as she had mistakenly went to an official instead of casting her vote.  

“I was nervous as everyone looked serious at the polling centre. But the officials were very helpful and welcoming,” she said.

(MAIN PIX) Student and first-time voter Nur Alya Ramadhani, 19, was excited to fulfil her democratic responsibility.“It was nervous but at least we play our part for Sabah,” she said. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE / The Star
(MAIN PIX) Student and first-time voter Nur Alya Ramadhani, 19, was excited to fulfil her democratic responsibility.“It was nervous but at least we play our part for Sabah,” she said. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE / The Star

It was also a first for Lexter Yong Cherng Kun, 19.

“I made sure I did background checks on the candidates and their manifestos before heading to the ballot box,” said the student. 

Another first-time voter Azmira Amun, 19, urged elected representatives to be responsible to their constituents. 

“The road infrastructure must be improved for a start. We want to see changes here,” said Azmira, who came with her friend Jeslina Adriana Jaimis.

Nur Wandha Waryzea, 19, said elected representatives must be someone with good character and is brave enough to do the right thing.

For Healcy Andy Albert Jaikul, the voting process was still a daunting experience despite this being her second time at the polls. 

“We don’t do this often, so it’s quite nerve-racking to go through. It’s a big responsibility,” said the 23-year-old, who came with her grandmother, Helen Lo, 62. 

Lo hopes the incoming representative will be someone who will work hard for the people.

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