[BOOKMARK] Complete Voters' Guide: 13+ Answers to Cure Confusion
If you are a first-time voter in the dark, or still figuring out how to become one, fret not as we answer 13 questions you might have as an elections rookie this 13th General Election. If you have more questions, post them at the 'Response' tab and we will answer them. Remember, every vote makes a difference. Share this FAQ with friends who will be voting for the first time this year.
By Mei Mei Chu — 13 Mar 2013, 01:44 PM — Updated over 10 years ago
Where should the SPR stamp be?
When you are issued the Ballot Paper, the Clerk will stamp/chop the Ballot Paper before giving it to you. The stamp/chop is supposed to be right in the middle of the perforated line - the place where you tear the ballot paper and separate it from the counterfoil. The Ballot Paper goes to the Voter; while the counterfoil belongs to SPR. The stamp/chop must appear on BOTH parts -- on the counterfoil and the ballot paper.
Image via imgur.com[VIDEO] "How to Vote in Malaysia?" created by first-time voter, Adam Tambakau
1. What is the step-by-step voting process on election day?
STEP1: When you get to the polling station, you will normally be led to the EC booth to check your polling stream. Your hands will be checked for indelible ink.
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STEP2: You will then proceed to your polling stream, which is normally a class room. Prepare for a long queue, a book might help to pass the time.
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STEP3: In the polling stream, a clerk will ask for your NRIC, check your name on electoral roll, read out your name and IC number, and cross your name off.
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STEP4: When your name is read out, the presiding officer and the parties’ polling agents will also cross out your name on their electoral rolls.
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STEP5: Your left index finger will be marked with indelible ink to prevent repeated voting before being given the ballot paper.
zulhaidah.comSTEP6: The ballot will be perforated or stamped before given to you. Your vote are anonymous so ensure that your number is NOT written on the counterfoil of the ballot.
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STEP7: You will bring the ballots to the polling booth. Make sure no one is watching you. You may protest if the secrecy of voting is compromised.
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STEP8: You will then cast your marked ballots into the respective ballot boxes. Another clerk may be standing there to ensure the ballots are properly cast into the boxes.
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STEP9: Be proud that you have practiced your right as a democratic citizen! You may now immediately leave the polling center and begin the nervous look out for the results!
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2. What is the election process?
This year, the Parliament was dissolved on April 3, 2013. Polling must be held within 60 days dissolution, thus GE13 must take place by May 2013.
ISSUANCE OF WRIT: EC will issue a writ to each returning officer of the constituencies to conduct the elections. GE notice with candidate nominations and polling dates will be gazetted and released.
NOMINATIONS: Candidates need to present their nominations papers to the returning officer on the nomination day. Eligible candidates who will contest the seat and the parties represented will be announced.
thestar.com.myELECTION CAMPAIGN: The campaigning period begins as soon as the eligible candidates on nomination day are announced and it officially ends at midnight before polling day.
thestar.com.myPOLLING: This is where you come in, voting day! Polling process starts at 8am and end at 5pm.
COUNTING OF VOTES:
Once polling closes, all the ballots will be tallied and recorded. The results for each polling station willbe announced at the vote tallying centre.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE RESULTS: The candidate who secured a simple majority will be declared as the winner. The winner will then be confirmed as the elected representative of that constituency.
3. What else should I look out for on election day?
Sesiapa ada informasi pengundi hantu di kawasan anda, sila hubungi Skuad TAHAN hotline: 0165059065, email: [email protected]
Image via akamaihd.netYour vote is absolutely a secret. You are not obliged to reveal your choice to anyone, including the election officers. There should not be any indication of your identity on your ballot paper.
thestar.com.myIt is illegal for candidates to campaign after the end of the campaign period on the eve of polling day. During polling day, no party booths for canvassing or campaigning.
thestar.com.myIF you witness any candidate wrongdoing, report it straight to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. If people approach and try to bribe you for your vote, go to the MACC.
thestar.com.my4. How do I do postal voting from overseas?
To register as a postal voter, fill in Form1B and return it to the EC by email, fax or post. (http://www.spr.gov.my/images/stories/pdf/borang_1B.pdf)
spr.gov.myYour postal ballot will be sent to the nearest Malaysian embassy or High Commmision for you to collect. The EC website will list the day when it is ready for your collection.
spr.gov.myRemember to bring your Malaysian IC or passport! You can return your ballot to the same embassy/high commission for them to send your ballot back to Malaysia.
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Or else you would have to personally mail it to the returning officer in your constituency before 5pm on polling day.
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5. Who and what am I voting for?
Elections in Malaysia exist at two levels: Federal level and State level. At the federal level, voters elect the 222-member House of Representatives/Dewan Rakyat.
The party that has the majority vote nationwide for the House of Representatives will form the federal government.
At the state level at 576 seats, voters elect representatives to the Dewan Undangan Negeri.
The number of candidates you will be voting for differs from state to state and is depending on your state and constituency. Voters will pick ONE candidate for each level of election.
7. What happens if I vote wrongly?
At the end of polls, the presiding officer will tally the number of ballot papers given to voters, the number of spoilt ballots and the number of unused ballots.
thestar.com.myAny ambiguous ballots with unclear markings will be set aside. The officials will then go through the ambiguous votes to determine if they can be accepted.
thestar.com.myAt the end of the counting, the presiding officer will record the number of votes for each of the candidates and the number of spoilt votes.
thestar.com.myThe spoilt votes and blank votes will not be included in the final count.
thestar.com.my8. What if I don't want to vote for either candidates?
If you conscience do not allow you to vote for any of the candidates, you can still practice your democracy by handing in a blank vote or spoiling your vote.
You don't have to choose. In fact it lets you go a step further to put on record that none of the candidates appeal to you.
The same way others are voting to express support for a candidate, a person who spoils the ballot is making a statement that she/he does not support any of them.
It is legal to do so and it does not make one’s vote any less legitimate. You are still performing your civic duty by participating in the electoral process.
To decrease the chances of fraud,show up on polling day to ensure no one else is voting in your name. You would still be voting in your conscience.
9. How can I volunteer on polling day?
Institute for Democracy And Foreign Affairs (IDEAS) is looking for volunteers to be election observers on polling day. Those interested can contact PEMERHATI directly.
malaysianbar.org.myCekap Election Observeres (CEO) is recruiting volunteers to become election observers to ensure clean and fair election process. Election watchdog MAFREL is organising half-day training workshops.
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10. What do I need to bring to the polling centre?
Your IC or other acceptable documents such as Malaysian passport, driving license, or an official identity card issued by any government authority which contains your photo, full name, and IC number.
thestar.com.my11. How do I know if I am registered voter?
Firstly, you need to be legally 21 and over to be allowed to vote. The registration for the 13th General Elections are closed now.
Or if you are nearby any state EC office or EC counters, just pop by and ask them. You may also check your voting center location, parliamentary and state seats.
12. Where is my polling centre?
Steps to check your polling center and where you will be voting by Curi Curi Wang Malaysia.
Image via akamaihd.netPolling centres are usually held in schools. The polling centres open at 8am and closes at 5pm. Everything will be organized and monitored tightly by the Election Commission.
thestar.com.myFor advanced voting (3 days prior to regular voting date), the polling centres will be at the Armed Forces camps or police stations. Advance polling is introduced for the police and armed forces.
thestar.com.my13. What are all this Dewan-dewan and constitution?
FULL STORY: How many constituencies are there? What's the difference between the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara? What is a 2/3 majority? Find the answers to these frequently asked questions about elections here!
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Live chat, live PRU13 results, plus KiniTV live stream on SAYSLIVE.COM
BOOKMARK: Live chat, live results, KiniTV video stream and the latest news on Malaysia's 2013 General Elections. From Najib to Anwar, to rumours, controversies, voting facts and voting results.
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