Recently, the Election Commission of Malaysia (SPR) just announced the dates of the 15th General Election (GE15). The dates for voting will be on November 15, 2022, for early voting and November 19, 2022, the voting date.
So, as voters, what do we need to know before going out to vote for our candidate of choice? Do take note, this is some information that you MUST know as voters:
1. What do you need to bring when voting?
For those especially the first-timers, don’t forget to bring your identification card (IC). But what if you’re unlucky and lost your IC days before the voting date? If you lose your IC, you need to fill out a JPN-certified form.
2. Already registered, but suddenly prevented from voting. What to do?
Don’t worry, grab your car key and immediately go to the nearest police station to inform them what’s happened.
3. I’m sick suddenly but I really want to vote! Can I send a representative to vote?
Nope, you can’t. You, yourself must go to the polling station.
4. My relative is a visually impaired person (OKU). So, how is he going to vote?
SPR allows you to escort the visually impaired person. But you need to fill out a form as his escort.
5. Can I use someone else’s IC to vote?
You’re not allowed to. As mentioned before, you have to use your own IC.
6. What if I suddenly get infected with COVID-19? Can I still vote?
SPR got you covered! SPR has prepared a special channel for voters who are positive for COVID. COVID voters won’t be mixed with other voters and secluded from them.
7. Do I still need to register my name again during voting day?
No need. All you need to do is check your name on the voting channels. Once you know your voting channel, go queue according to your channel.
8. What about disabled (OKU) voters and pregnant women?
The head of the polling station is authorized to give priority to disabled voters and pregnant women to enter the polling station first so that they don’t have to wait for a long time outside.
9. Unlucky day, I lose my IC on the morning of voting day. What should I do?
If you lost your IC, there are other documents that SPR will approve as proof of your identity. Check the lists below:
- blue passport
- red passport
- driving license with photo
- official identity card issued by any government authority
10. What time does voting start?
For Peninsular Malaysia, the voting starts at 8 am until 6 pm. As for Sabah and Sarawak, the voting starts at 7.30 am until 5.30 pm.
11. Is it true that several polling places closed early?
Correct! This is due to several factors such as geographical conditions, the number of voters and others.
12. Can I use a pen to mark the ballot paper?
Yes, you can! To make it easier for voters, there are also pencils available at the polling station.
13. It’s my first time voting. I’m nervous and accidentally mark the ballot paper outside of the ballot box. Will my vote be accepted still?
Your vote will be accepted still. As long as you still mark it.
14. I’m registered as a voter in Sabah and Sarawak. But currently, I live in Peninsular Malaysia. Can I apply for a postal vote?
You can’t. For your information, postal voting for those within the country is only for soldiers, police, SPR members or officers, and media personnel on duty on early voting day.
15. How do I check my polling place?
You can check from:
- Official portal – https://www.spr.gov.my/
- Call SPR head office at 03-8892 7018
- Check-in MySPR portal – https://mysprsemak.spr.gov.my/
Source: Twitter @kamarul14