SEREMBAN – For many first-time voters in the 16th Negeri Sembilan State Election, today marked more than just the fulfilment of a civic responsibility – it was a personal milestone filled with excitement, anticipation and pride.
Some admitted to having shaky hands, while others said their hearts were racing as they stepped into polling centres, which opened at 8am, Bernama reported.
Fashion designer Hani Eriqa Mazlan, 21, who is based in Kuala Lumpur, said casting her first vote gave her a newfound appreciation for the democratic process, which she had previously only followed from a distance.
“I was definitely nervous, and my hands were shaking because this was my first time voting. I had always known about elections, but actually going through the process myself felt completely different.
“I have observed the issues and know what is best for Negeri Sembilan. Today, we make our choice,” she told reporters after casting her ballot at Sekolah Menengah Agama Dato’ Klana Petra Maamor polling centre here.
Hani Eriqa, the second of three siblings, arrived at the polling centre with her younger sister Hani Mazri Eyna, 20, who was also voting for the first time, alongside five other family members.
Hani Mazri Eyna, a college student, said the experience underscored the importance of every vote in determining the representatives who would champion the aspirations and interests of the people.
“I was a little nervous, but at the same time excited because it was my first opportunity to fulfil my responsibility as a voter,” she said.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old M. Lavinesh Nair from Kampung Jiboi shared a similar experience after arriving at the polling centre with his family at about 9am.
The college student said he initially felt overwhelmed by the crowd and was uncertain about the voting procedures.
“I was certainly nervous because there were so many people, and I was a little confused at first. But the Election Commission (EC) officers were very helpful and guided me through the process.
“Now that I have voted, I know what the experience is really like,” said the eldest of two siblings.
Lavinesh described his first voting experience as a meaningful milestone, saying it represented the start of his responsibility as a young Malaysian to help elect leaders who would represent the concerns of Negeri Sembilan residents.
As of 11am, voter turnout stood at 28.11%.
A total of 859,760 registered voters, including 7,391 postal voters, are eligible to cast their ballots today to elect representatives for the state’s 36 legislative assembly seats, with 103 candidates vying for positions.
Early voting, which took place on July 28, recorded a turnout of 91.06%, with 14,995 voters casting t heir ballots. The figure surpassed the Election Commission’s target of 90%.– August 1, 2026