Officials demonstrate a ballot sorting machine at a polling station set up at Seoul Science and Technology University gymnasium on June 2, a day before the 9th nationwide local elections. [Photo=Yonhap]
On June 3, approximately 44.65 million voters will participate in local elections and National Assembly by-elections. This election, held one year after the inauguration of the Lee administration, serves as a significant midterm evaluation. The results are expected to either bolster or weaken the government's operational momentum, impacting the internal dynamics of both the ruling Democratic Party and the opposition People Power Party.
According to the National Election Commission, voting will occur simultaneously at 14,228 polling stations across the country from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. A total of 4,241 positions will be filled, including 16 heads of local governments (mayors and governors) and 14 National Assembly members.
Voters will receive up to eight ballots in two rounds, depending on their region, including those for local governors, education superintendents, heads of districts and cities, district council members, and National Assembly representatives. Some ballots may not be distributed if there are no by-elections or if candidates are elected unopposed.
Voters must use the tools provided at the polling station and can only mark one candidate on each ballot. Taking photos inside the polling station or of the ballots is prohibited, and those who intentionally damage ballots may face penalties.
During the early voting period from May 29 to 30, 10,498,411 out of 44,649,908 eligible voters participated, resulting in a record early voting turnout of 23.51%. If this trend continues, the final voter turnout may exceed the 50.9% recorded four years ago.
Key results, including those for local governors and National Assembly members, are expected to emerge by midnight. However, in populous and competitive regions, counting may continue until 3 or 4 a.m.
Political analysts suggest that the outcome of this election will significantly influence the future governance of the Lee administration, as it serves as a midterm assessment of its first year. During the campaign, the ruling Democratic Party urged voters to "support the Lee administration through their votes," while the opposition People Power Party called for an end to the "arrogance of the dominant ruling party."
Noh Tae-ak, chairman of the National Election Commission, stated, "We will ensure that every precious vote is accurately reflected in the results through fair and precise voting and counting management. I urge everyone to exercise their valuable vote to strengthen grassroots democracy."
According to the National Election Commission, voting will occur simultaneously at 14,228 polling stations across the country from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. A total of 4,241 positions will be filled, including 16 heads of local governments (mayors and governors) and 14 National Assembly members.
Voters will receive up to eight ballots in two rounds, depending on their region, including those for local governors, education superintendents, heads of districts and cities, district council members, and National Assembly representatives. Some ballots may not be distributed if there are no by-elections or if candidates are elected unopposed.
Voters must use the tools provided at the polling station and can only mark one candidate on each ballot. Taking photos inside the polling station or of the ballots is prohibited, and those who intentionally damage ballots may face penalties.
During the early voting period from May 29 to 30, 10,498,411 out of 44,649,908 eligible voters participated, resulting in a record early voting turnout of 23.51%. If this trend continues, the final voter turnout may exceed the 50.9% recorded four years ago.
Key results, including those for local governors and National Assembly members, are expected to emerge by midnight. However, in populous and competitive regions, counting may continue until 3 or 4 a.m.
Political analysts suggest that the outcome of this election will significantly influence the future governance of the Lee administration, as it serves as a midterm assessment of its first year. During the campaign, the ruling Democratic Party urged voters to "support the Lee administration through their votes," while the opposition People Power Party called for an end to the "arrogance of the dominant ruling party."
Noh Tae-ak, chairman of the National Election Commission, stated, "We will ensure that every precious vote is accurately reflected in the results through fair and precise voting and counting management. I urge everyone to exercise their valuable vote to strengthen grassroots democracy."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.