After all the shenanigans (Covid-19 pandemic, Sheraton move & more) that we all been through, voting is both a privilege and a duty for Malaysians. This written article does not go through the entire polling procedure. Rather, this is to present crucial information for first-time voters or returning voters who forgot what happened - to understand what to do on election day.

It's understandable to be swamped by the amount of information you should comprehend before voting day. From the promises and facts provided by all sides of the political spectrum to how and when we can vote.

I won't chime in on who you should vote for, or who you shouldn't and I will not engaged in a comment war with people who does not understand how every one has their own choice to make and they are all entitled to have their own opinion. What I am here to do is to share with you the information I know as a returning voter so to ensure that your vote is counted. It would be a pity if you were barred from voting for reasons you were unaware of.

With less than a month till polling booths open across Malaysia, many rakyat, particularly first-time voters, are looking for information on the voting process itself. Before looking at my checklist below, please check your voting details via https://mysprsemak.spr.gov.my/.

💳 MOST IMPORTANT: Bring your IC!

This is pretty self-explanatory. Without your IC, the volunteers could not identify you as the person who you claimed you are. IC is to prove that you are Malaysian and also ensure that you can only vote once. The poll workers will be there to check your IC before proceeding with the rest.

Aside from IC, from an experienced voter like myself, it is advisable to bring along some of these items:

• Umbrella (for the sun or the rain or the flood)
• Mini portable fan (it might get really hot)
• Water (it is important to stay hydrated!)
• Bites & snacks (you might be hungry while waiting in line)

👕 No party logos on your clothings

Wear no clothes with the name of a candidate, name, logo, or symbol of any political party printed on it. According to Election Offences Act 1954, you might face a year in jail, an RM5,000 fine, or both.

Here are more election offences you may not be aware of besides this:

• Accepting food & drinks from strangers: Why? You may ask. Rasuah. According to Election Offences Act 1954, … and every voter who corruptly accepts any such food, drink or refreshment provision or any such money or ticket or other such means shall be guilty of the offence of treating.
• Bringing in or taking out ballot papers to or from polling stations: This is not a blackout session, no need to bring in or out any ballots. Clean election is what we want. Jokes aside, please so check whether you have any extra pieces of paper in your hand before leaving the polling station. Please return extra pieces of papers to the Election Officer before leaving if you found any. 
• 🧍 Loitering after voting: Do not disturb or distract other people after you casted you vote. If you have to wait for your friends or family, please do so with a reasonable distance. At this day and age, you have your phone to stay in touch, there's no need to stay in the bubble of the polling station.
• Employers don't provide enough time for employers to vote: Give people time to vote, that's it. No excuses. 

💅 Nails enthusiasts: No painted nails on election day!

Election Commission (EC) has advised voters not to get their nails done before voting day, as the indelible ink will stain their fingernails. In an article by The Borneo Post, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu warned that voters not to let themselves be tricked into having their nails painted prior to polling day as it might jeopardised their chance of voting.

So, no manicures, ladies & gents. You can get it done once you have casted your vote. You can do a cute one like this:

🗳️ Check your ballots

Before casting your vote, take a careful look at your ballot paper. There's a stamp and unique serial number on your piece of ballot paper. If there are none, your ballots might not be eligible. Immediately call for an election officer in the polling stations for assistance.

No ✔️or ⭕, just ✖️ will do

X marks the spot - remember this, memorise it as a mantra, do whatever you can to not make an easy mistake to disqualify your vote. Mark it clearly and do not draw it outside of the box as well. 

✏️ No doodling!

Leave nothing behind on your ballots except your one single X. Any markings left on your ballot will be disqualified or counted as "undi rosak". Make sure no dots, lines, turtles or any stains are on your ballot when casting your vote, else you risked wasting your hours of queue just to cast a vote that does not count. 

📵 Get off your phone

Understand that it is exciting and nerve-wrecking on your first try as a voter, we all know sharing is caring, but using your phone to take a picture or record a TikTok in polling booths are strictly prohibited and inappropriate. Treat it as your final exam in your university, stay silent and no phones in sight. 

🤳 Show off your stained finger

After all this, your vote has been casted. Your finger is stained. You may tell the world how you have made a responsible choice as an adult - voted in your first general election! 

Now, this is your manicure of the week. 💅

First-time voters, hope this helps with your jitters on this GE15. Be proud you made the choice to vote. What's next after voting?

Now, we wait. 

Share your experiences, dreams and hopes for #GE15 and stand a chance to win cash prizes up to RM16,500! Find out how you can participate here.

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