Prisca Tang
The Legislative Assembly Electoral Affairs Commission (CEAL) has set up a mock polling station in Praça do Tap Seac from today until Friday for residents to familiarise themselves with the voting process.
According to the statement, the commission aims to let the public know more about the role of polling stations, while educating them how to vote properly and secretly in order to avoid invalid ballots.
The statement said that elections are an important lesson in civil education. Therefore, the commission will continue to educate students via the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ). The statement pointed out that students will be visiting the mock station and will be learning about the direct and indirect elections for the Legislative Assembly. The statement underlined that the visit could help them gain a better understanding of the election process for when they become a registered voter.
The right to vote and to get elected stands at 18 in Macau.
Moreover, the commission also encouraged those who are visually or hearing impaired to visit the mock polling station as it could help them get used to the balloting. The statement pointed out that there will be holes next to where they are supposed to stamp, and Braille next to the candidates’ names, adding that there are also various aids provided at each polling station to assist them to enter the voting booth on their own.
The opening hours for the mock polling station are Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. with no lunch break. Visitors must comply with the Health Bureau guidelines and have their temperature checked, display their valid Macau Health Code, and wear their facemask at all times.
