By now, Malaysians eligible to vote have made their efforts in registering for the upcoming GE14 Polling Day on 9 May. Of course for those Malaysians living overseas and on duty on Polling Day, this makes it hard for them to cast their ballots in person. No matter, the Elections Committee has enabled postal voting to ensure that every Malaysian – whether living overseas or on duty or not – is be able to exercise their voting rights.
Source: Malaysian Insight
As the applications for postal voting are now closed, all that needs to be done is the voting process itself. Here’s a simple guide of what to expect and to ensure that your postal votes make it back to your appointed Returning Officers (RO) safe and sound.
I’m a registered postal voter, now what?
- Upon confirmation of eligibility as a postal voter, the OR will send a ballot package containing everything you need to cast your ballots directly to the address provided by voters.
- For Malaysians living abroad, your ballot packages will be sent to the embassies/ high commissions/ consulates in your respective countries who will then mail your packages to you.
- Pro-tip: Make advanced preparations with your respective country’s embassy to collect your ballot package in person to avoid lost or delayed posting. Be sure to bring along your ORIGINAL IC and PASSPORT as they will only release your ballot package to you.
- Upon receiving your ballot package or envelope, make sure it contains:
- Envelope A
- Two smaller envelopes that contain your ballot papers (Pink for state seats and White for parliamentary seat)*
- Envelope B
- Form 2 for identity clarification
* Voters within the Federal Territories will only receive a smaller white envelope as they will only be voting for parliamentary seats
It’s time to vote!
Source: Malaysian Times
1. Before casting your votes, you must ensure that the serial number printed on the ballot paper matches those printed on Envelope A and Form 2.
2. Check your ballot papers before marking them to ensure that it has not been tampered with or contains any markings. Unfortunately, you will not be able to get a new ballot paper if the one given contain markings. Approach a polling agent present at the embassy for assistance on discussing what your options are with the polling officials present there.
Source: Free Malaysia Today
3. And now to vote! Here are the following steps:
- Fill out Form 2 properly and accurately
- Mark the ballot paper according to the voting guidelines.
- Insert the ballots into the right Envelope A and seal it. This is important as ballots inserted into the wrong Envelope A will NOT be counted.
- Insert Envelope A into Envelope B which has your respective RO’s address printed on it and seal it.
- Post it as soon as possible to ensure your votes reach their respective ROs by 5 May at 5pm!
- Malaysians abroad will need to return their ballots at their respective country’s embassy/high commission or consulate on the ‘polling day’ arranged by the respective embassies.
4. Take note! Absentee voters should also make sure to obtain the signature of a witness upon filling out their Form 2 as proof that they’re registered as a postal voter. Of course, the witness must be a Malaysian citizen aged 21 years old and above.
So there you have it. Just make sure you have all these checked and you have nothing to worry about. Remember, voting is our right as a Malaysian citizen. So, jangan lah #undirosak okay?
Also read: Bersih’s Member Reveals 39 Ways You Can Cast A Vote, Here’s What You Need to Know
