The main voting for the 9th nationwide local elections concluded at 6 p.m. on June 3, drawing attention to the timing of exit poll results and the counting schedule.
According to the National Election Commission and broadcasting companies, KBS, MBC, and SBS will announce the results of the exit polls at 6 p.m. However, predictions of winning candidates and estimated vote percentages can only be reported starting at 6:15 p.m., 15 minutes after polls close, in accordance with election law.
Counting will begin immediately after the polls close. The National Election Commission plans to officially declare the start of counting around 6:20 p.m., followed by the opening of ballot boxes, sorting of ballots, and verification procedures. Initial counting results will vary by region but are expected to be available around 7:30 p.m.
The timing for revealing winning candidates will depend on the dynamics of each region.
In areas with significant vote margins, outcomes may be determined before midnight, while close races could extend counting into the early hours of the following day. The broadcasting industry and the election commission anticipate that results in some regions may be available by 3 to 4 a.m. on June 4.
This local election may see a longer counting process compared to the 2022 local elections due to the introduction of verification procedures starting with the 2024 general elections. This verification involves election workers manually checking ballots that have passed through sorting machines, which enhances accuracy but may slow down the counting speed.
In this election, voters will elect regional heads, local heads, education superintendents, and members of regional and local councils, with some areas also holding by-elections for the National Assembly.
Voter turnout and counting progress on election day can be monitored through the National Election Commission's election statistics system.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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