How Malaysians Fought Voter Suppression | Explains

How did Malaysians abroad make sure their voices were heard in Malaysia’s latest election? While those in power worked to place bottlenecks in their way, tens of thousands of Malaysians began organizing an intricate and global plan to get their ballots cast. Usually with elections, most citizens abroad can vote at their local consulates. Sometimes, they’re even welcomed with treats. Malaysia, on the contrary, not only sent ballots too late, they also determined that each voter needed a Malaysian witness. No shipping labels were provided, leaving voters to foot high shipping costs on their own. On platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, Malaysians across the world galvanized their counterparts into action. What ended up looking like voluntary travelers with bags filled with ballots and runners at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport picking up ballots–from hundreds of cities. Here’s what happens when crisis meets creativity.