As the 9th nationwide local elections are underway, the voter turnout across South Korea reached 19.0% by noon on June 3. This figure is 4.0 percentage points higher than the turnout of 15.0% recorded at the same time during the 8th local elections in 2022.
According to the National Election Commission, by noon, 8,497,711 of the 44,649,908 registered voters had cast their ballots. Voting began at 6 a.m. at 14,288 polling stations nationwide.
Regionally, Daegu reported the highest voter turnout at 23.7%, followed by North Gyeongsang Province at 21.7%, Gangwon Province at 21.6%, South Gyeongsang Province at 21.2%, Ulsan at 20.6%, South Chungcheong Province at 20.2%, and Busan at 20.0%.
In contrast, Gwangju recorded the lowest turnout at 13.1%. Other regions with relatively low turnout included North Jeolla Province at 14.8%, South Jeolla Province at 14.9%, and Sejong at 16.8%. The metropolitan area saw turnouts of 18.6% in Seoul, 18.4% in Gyeonggi Province, and 18.2% in Incheon.
This turnout figure does not include the early voting rate of 23.51% recorded on May 29-30. The rates for early voting, overseas voting, shipboard voting, and absentee voting will be combined and announced starting at 1 p.m. today.
In this local election, a total of 4,227 positions will be filled, including 16 heads of regional governments, 16 education superintendents, 227 heads of local governments, 933 local council members, and 3,035 district council members. Additionally, by-elections for 14 parliamentary seats, including Pyeongtaek in Gyeonggi Province and Busan North Gap, are also taking place.
Voting will continue from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. today. Unlike early voting, voters must cast their ballots at their designated polling stations and must present a photo ID, such as a resident registration card, driver's license, or passport. Mobile IDs must be verified through an app at the polling station, and screenshots will not be accepted.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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