How to vote: Guide for first-time voters

 

(fz.com) - AS ELECTION day looms closer, it is essential that anyone who has reached the voting age (yes, only those who have officially reached their 21st birthday and who have registered as voters) know the responsibilities that they will be shouldering come the 13th general election. 

Recent developments and changes rocking the country have also impacted the voting process, with several amendments being introduced by the Election Commission (EC) at the behest of pressure groups such as the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih), as well as following recommendations from the Parliamentary Select Committee on Electoral Reform.
 
These measures include expanding overseas voting beyond civil servants and full time students to those residing overseas (with the exception of several countries), as well as the introduction of the use of indelible ink.
 
There have also been significant changes to the area of postal voting. For the first time, 12 categories of workers under the media industry – including journalists, photographers, editors, graphic designers and other related personnel – are allowed to apply to vote through post.
 
With the many amendments and changes, the process in general can come off as intimidating; hence, the FZ team has put together a step by step chart, detailing the different categories and procedures one would need to take, from the registration process all the way to election day!