JOHOR POLLS | Many young voters who cast their ballot for the first time in the Johor election have praised the implementation of the automatic registration system.
Some young voters became eligible for the first time after the voting age was reduced from 21 to 18 while others were eligible in 2018 but are only voting for the first time now after being automatically registered.
Engku Puteri Arwyn Mysara Engku Ismeal Putera Al-Madeah, 19, described her experience as "nerve-racking but exciting".
"When I was younger, I would see my grandparents vote and get excited.
"I feel like it's a milestone to be able to vote now," she said.
Arwyn, who works as a personal assistant, said her peers were also eager to vote and they have been talking about it.
"It's a personal responsibility... I'm just playing my part," she said after voting for the seat of Stulang.
Smooth process
Ng Pei Zhen, 27, who returned from Australia, also praised the automatic registration.
"It's easy," said Ng, who is an engineer in Australia.
She added that the voting process was smooth and efficient.
Nurain Nafisa Zainal Fitri, 24, is an exception as she had manually registered before the implementation of the automatic voter registration.
The Stulang native was not yet of age during the 2018 general election when the age limit was still 21.
"I've registered for some time but I had to wait years before I could vote," she said.
The freelance illustrator said she had discussed with friends about who to vote for and many of them were excited.
"Many showed their inked finger on social media. Many from Kuala Lumpur also returned," she added.
Student Nur Maisarah, 21, cast her vote for the first time in Perling and was pleased by the smooth process.
Maisarah added that she felt the need to do her duty despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We've been living with Covid-19 and we have to take care of the standard operating procedures but by voting, we are playing a big role in determining the future of our country.
"If we want the best then we need to play our role," she said.
Hoping for no more corruption
Nur Imran Ammar, 25, took time to vote before starting his evening shift as a technician. He is a first-time voter.
"I hope there won't be any more corruption. We need a good leader," he said.
The Johor election is the first to have voters under the new voting age of 18 as well as automatic voter registration.
While many first-time voters were going to the polls today, the lines at polling stations were still dominated by middle-aged and elderly voters.
They will decide the newly elected representative line-up for the 56 seats in the Johor assembly.
Results are expected to start trickling in after most polling stations close at 6pm. - Mkini
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