The village before the election day

Along with the rest of the country, the atmosphere surrounding the upcoming elections for the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term in the highland villages of Thanh Hoa province is more vibrant than ever. From the small roads leading into the villages to the village cultural centers, the excitement of the entire community is palpable.

Voters in Trung Ly commune are ready for the nationwide election day.

In his small house in Tao village, Trung Ly commune, Loc Anh Van holds his voter card in his hand. The card is small, but he cherishes it as a special milestone in his life. For Van, this is not just a card to vote, but also the first time he has directly exercised his rights and duties as a citizen.

In a few days, he planned to leave the village to find work elsewhere, like many other young people in the area. His belongings were almost ready, but the trip would be postponed. He decided to stay a few more days, waiting until March 15th – the day he could cast his ballot at the village's polling station.

This is the first year Lộc Anh Văn has been able to vote, so she's very excited.

"This is the first time I've held a voter card in my hands. I feel very honored and proud. I will go to vote early on March 15th," Van shared.

Also in Tao village, Mrs. Dinh Thi Thong, now 95 years old, is one of the village's oldest voters. At this age, her memory is sometimes not as clear, and she can't even remember how many elections she has participated in in her life. But whenever she mentions election day, her eyes still light up with emotion.

For her, the voter card is proof of the people's right to self-governance. Through the years, through many times casting her ballot, that feeling of pride and appreciation seems to have never faded.

"Every time I hold my voter card, I still feel happy and proud. On that day, I will ask my children and grandchildren to take me to the cultural center to cast my vote," Mr. Thong shared.

For Mr. Thong, as well as many people in Tao village, personally casting their ballots into the ballot box has always been a sacred act, a way for each person to express their faith and hope in the development of their homeland.

Ms. Dinh Thi Thong carefully holds her voter card in her hands.

Not only are the people excited, but preparations in the highland areas are also nearing completion. At many village cultural centers, people are practicing performances, hanging flags, and tidying up the polling areas, creating a lively atmosphere before the event.

The people of Pù Nhi commune are rehearsing cultural performances to present on election day.

Mr. Doan Van Truong, Secretary of the Party Committee of Pu Nhi commune, said: “The election preparations in the commune have been carried out very thoroughly. All polling stations have been carefully checked for security, safety, and facilities, ensuring the best possible service for voters to cast their ballots according to the plan.”

Thanh Hoa province currently has 78 mountainous communes, characterized by fragmented terrain and many villages located far from urban centers. The entire region comprises over 1,512 villages, with 1,103 polling stations serving more than 729,000 voters. Therefore, managing the population, compiling voter lists, and ensuring the people's right to vote are always carefully implemented by local authorities.

According to Ms. Ha Thi Tuyet, Head of the Department of Government Building and Youth Affairs, Thanh Hoa Provincial Department of Internal Affairs, for remote and disadvantaged areas, the province has proactively developed many flexible plans to suit the actual conditions.

"We have arranged polling stations to suit the terrain, and at the same time reinforced support forces to ensure traffic flow, security, and absolute safety. The goal is to ensure the election proceeds smoothly, creating the best conditions for voters to exercise their rights," Ms. Tuyet said.

By this time, preparations for election day have been completed in the mountainous communes of Thanh Hoa province. From elderly people like Dinh Thi Thong to young voters holding their ballots for the first time like Loc Anh Van, everyone is waiting for March 15th – the day when each ballot carries the trust and hope for the next stage of development in their homeland.

Huong Quynh

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/ban-lang-truc-ngay-bo-phieu-281036.htm