On June 3, the main voting day for the 9th nationwide local elections, polling stations across the country were filled with stories that held more significance than just a single vote. From unique locations like a pottery shop and a gateball court transformed into polling places to island residents who traveled by boat, first-time voters, and a 110-year-old voter, a diverse group of citizens exercised their precious right to vote.
One notable polling station was a pottery shop in Jangseong County, South Jeolla Province, where voters passed through aisles of ceramics and household goods to reach the voting booths. In another area, a gateball court, typically a leisure space for residents, was repurposed as a polling site, creating an unusual but engaging scene.
According to Yonhap News, a 110-year-old woman participated in the elections in Gwangju's Dong-gu. She stated, "I have voted in every presidential and local election since the time of President Syngman Rhee. At 110 years old, I hope all citizens will come out to vote as well."
Many young people also cast their ballots for the first time. An 18-year-old high school senior, identified as Lee, remarked, "I don’t know the names of the candidates well, but I voted for someone who I believe can address housing prices and youth employment issues."
The participation of foreign nationals also drew attention. At the Daelim 2-dong Community Center, a line of permanent residents waited to vote. Foreign nationals with certain qualifications, such as those who have held permanent residency for over three years or are registered in the local foreign resident registry and are at least 18 years old, are allowed to vote in local elections.
A 30-year resident of Korea, identified as Mr. Lee, who is of Korean-Chinese descent, expressed pride in participating in his first election, stating, "Even though I am not a Korean citizen, the fact that I can vote gives me a sense of pride."
Voting enthusiasm was also high in the remote island regions of the West Sea. Residents of Baengnyeongdo and Yeonpyeongdo adjusted their fishing schedules or took boats to reach polling stations. Some fishermen prioritized voting over their crab-catching season, and in Ongjin County, the voter turnout exceeded 65% by 3 p.m., the highest among the 11 counties and districts in Incheon.
This local election highlighted that voting is not merely a political choice but a fundamental right and a process of community engagement, as voters of all ages, professions, nationalities, and living conditions came together to cast their valuable ballots.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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