How To Vote On Polling Day

MySPR Semak is your friend! Remember to check and confirm your designated polling station, channel and voting number a day or two before polling day. Take note of those details so you can get off to the right start on the big day!

All polling stations in Peninsular Malaysia open at 8:00 a.m. while polling stations in Sabah and Sarawak open 7:30 a.m. instead. However, you may find that there are eager voters queueing up at the polling station even before it opens! You are encouraged to go to the polling station early and to adhere to the time recommended by the Election Commission on your MySPR Semak page. If possible, don’t go to the polling station just before it closes.

When you get to the polling room, you will be asked to present your identification card for the polling station clerk to check all your details, including your picture and IC number. The polling station clerk will then mark your left index finger with indelible ink and give you your ballot for you to take into the polling booth. Be careful not to smudge the ballot paper! Any additional marks on the ballot paper may render it spoiled and uncounted.

Make sure the ballot provided to you has your correct state and federal constituency. It should also include an Election Commission stamp and serial number. If you are in the polling booth and realise that your ballot is defective in any way, do not leave the polling booth with your ballot —call an officer to come and assist you. This is because carrying a ballot out of the polling station is considered an election offense and you may face 2 years of jail time, a fine of RM5,000 or both.

Make sure to only mark your ballot with an X within the blank space next to your chosen candidate. Ensure that the X fits neatly within the blank space as any mark which extends into another candidate’s space will spoil your ballot. After marking your ballot, fold the paper and put it into the ballot box.

Loitering around the polling station after voting is considered an election offense and you may face 1 year of jail time, a fine of RM5,000 or both.