First-time voters
Bui Ngoc Phuong Minh (born in February 2008), a student from class 12E4 at Everest Inter-level School in Ha Noi, turned 18 just before this election. Speaking to a reporter from Nhan Dan Newspaper, Minh shared: “As a citizen who has just turned 18, I feel extremely proud and a little nervous to hold a ballot for the first time and exercise my right at Polling Station No.4 in Cau Giay Ward. I spent time carefully studying the list of candidates. Casting my vote myself helps me better understand my responsibility for the development of the capital and the country as I step into adulthood.”
Also voting for the first time, Nguyen Tri Phong (born in July 2007), who has just turned 19 and is currently a first-year student at the University of Law under Viet Nam National University, Ha Noi, said: “This is my first time voting. When I received my voter card, I was very happy. I carefully researched each candidate, especially their proposed action plans in this constituency. Today I came to the polling station very early with my mother. The voting room was beautifully and solemnly decorated. I was guided through the voting process and was able to choose the candidate I trust.”
Casting his ballot at Polling Station No. 17 in Dong Ngac Ward, Ha Noi, Phong still came to exercise his civic rights and duties despite feeling unwell. He said: “Being able to exercise my right to vote for the first time and personally place my ballot in the box makes me feel that I have truly grown up. I feel proud to be Vietnamese. I hope the elected representatives will wholeheartedly serve the people, listen to the opinions of citizens and young people like us, and contribute to building a strong nation.”
Meanwhile, although he is already 20, this was also the first time Nguyen Duc Minh (born in March 2006), a second-year student at the University of Economics–Technology for Industries in Ha Noi, voted at Polling Station No. 22 in Hong Ha Ward.
The young voter excitedly said: “Voting independently for the first time, I hope the elected candidates will wholeheartedly devote themselves to serving the people and the nation in line with the action plans and commitments they made to voters.”
The joy of couples and families voting together
In the upbeat atmosphere of the national election day, from early morning on March 15, many voters gathered at Polling Station No.22 in Tay Ho Ward (Ha Noi) to exercise their civic rights and responsibilities. Among those in the queue were Do Tuan Anh and his wife Vu Thi Doan Trang.
After completing their ballots early in the morning, Vu Thi Doan Trang shared her joy at participating in the country’s major civic event. “I feel very fortunate to have been born and raised in Viet Nam, living in peace and stability. Following current global developments, we appreciate even more the value of the peaceful life that our family is enjoying,” Trang said.
According to Trang, taking part in the vote is not only about fulfilling a citizen’s rights and duties, but also about demonstrating people’s trust in the Party’s leadership and the country’s development orientation.
“My husband and I always have faith in the Party’s policies and hope that the elected representatives will truly serve the people and the nation, contributing to firmly safeguarding peace and promoting the country’s sustainable development,” Trang added.
The atmosphere at Polling Station No.22 in Tay Ho Ward became even more lively as many families arrived together, dressed in formal attire. Alongside the couple Trang and Tuan Anh, the family of teacher Dinh Thi Hong Nhung and her husband Nguyen Ngoc Son, residents of Residential Group No. 3 in Tay Ho Ward, also chose to wear traditional ao dai (traditional Vietnamese long dress) and formal clothing to take part in the vote. The image of family members arriving together at the polling station further highlighted the significance of this nationwide event. “This is truly a festival for every citizen, including our family,” Nhung said.
Another couple also went together to vote at Polling Station No.24 in Hoai Duc District (Ha Noi). Speaking with us shortly after voting, teacher Trung Thi Thu Ha and her husband Dinh Van Loc expressed their emotion while holding their ballots stamped to confirm they had voted.
“I find it very meaningful that each citizen personally casts their own ballot. Here, I can clearly see the spirit of democracy and collective responsibility. These small ballots carry the thoughts, choices, and trust of every citizen,” teacher Ha said.
