Voting Tips For GE13

I went to Jom Pantau on 26th May, Saturday to see if I could learn more about how elections are run in Malaysia, and maybe volunteer as an observer of election happenings. As far as I know, Jom Pantau is a non political organization that observes elections and educates the people of their voting rights so that real democracy continues to exist. It was certainly an informative day as 4 presentations were given on different topics in relation to elections by different speakers from various organizations.
The most important points that I got out of the workshop are our rights to vote and how we may protect our votes. So I am going to share them with you here in hope that our votes are protected and counted successfully.
At present:
Register to be a voter, or if you are already registered, check your voter status and confirm you are registered. You may do so by two ways:
(i) Online: http://daftarj.spr.gov.my/NEWDAFTARJ/ - Print a copy of your confirmation slip and safekeep the slip. If your status is not available during the a status check a few days before polling day, or not available in the list at the polling centre on polling day, I suppose you may use your print out confirmation slip to insist on your right as a registered citizen to vote.
(ii) SMS: SPR<space>semak<space>new IC No, and send it to 15888.

 These tips are provided by Tindak Malaysia:

A few days before polling day:

1. Please check your voter status online or via SMS.
2. Find out and ensure you know the location of your polling centre.
3. Make sure you remember your chosen candidate's name and party logo.

On polling/election day:

1. Ensure you do not display any party logo or candidate's name or image on your clothing or any document or items you bring to the polling centre. It is an offence to campaign on the polling day, and you may be accused of campaigning.

2. Your vote is protected by the Election Laws. To guarantee secrecy of your vote, RANDOMIZE your ballot paper. Here is what you can do:

• The SPR clerk will give you the top ballot paper. Each ballot paper has a serial number. It is possible to match your name to the serial number. Doing this is an offence under Section 5. Maintenance of secrecy at elections of the Election Offences Act 1954. 
• Ask the SPR clerk to give you another ballot paper from the same booklet. Say: "Encik/Puan, saya minta kertas undi yang lain dari bawah." If necessary, keep on saying: "Saya mahu pastikan yang undi saya adalah rahsia." 
• If the clerk refuses, tell the clerk that anyone who violates Section 5 can face the penalty of either up to 1 year imprisonment, or up to RM3,000 fine, or both. The polling agent will help you. 

 3. Check the ballot paper you receive is clean (no marks or writing), not torn, clearly perforated and has a serial number. If any of the conditions are not met, immediately ask for a new ballot paper.

4. At the voting booth, mark an "X" clearly inside the right hand box next to the name of the candidate you are voting for. Please ensure the "X" is written inside the box and not out of the box.

The power is in the rakyat's hand - so ensure you are registered and vote wisely for the candidate you believe will do the job of upholding the integrity and successful growth of Malaysia!