On June 3, as the 9th nationwide local elections took place, numerous disruptions and false reports were reported at polling stations across the country.
According to the National Police Agency, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., a total of 312 election-related calls were received nationwide. Of these, 53 involved disruptions or interference with voting, 3 were related to assaults, and 14 concerned traffic issues. Additionally, 242 other reports included false alarms.
Incidents of varying severity occurred at polling places in different regions. At a polling station in Sejong City, a man in his 40s was stopped from showing his completed ballot to others instead of placing it in the ballot box. In Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, a man in his 60s attempted to leave the polling station with his ballot uncast and was restrained by election officials, subsequently shouting in protest.
In Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, a woman in her 70s caused a disturbance, claiming that her ballot was already marked. In Gwanak-gu, a voter was reported to have shouted after being stopped from taking a photo of his ballot in the voting booth.
In Busan, police received 25 election-related calls between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. Of these, one involved disruption, while 24 were categorized as other reports. At a polling station in Bupyeong-dong, Jung-gu, a man in his 50s was reported to have disrupted voting while intoxicated, prompting police intervention. He was issued a strong warning and sent home at the request of election officials.
In Seogwipo City, Jeju, an incident was reported where a voter was found to have one extra ballot than allowed. The election commission invalidated the excess ballot. Reports indicate that this voter had six ballots instead of the five they were entitled to, including two for the Seogwipo City congressional by-election.
Outside polling stations, election-related incidents also occurred. In Uijeongbu City, a man in his 60s was arrested for vandalizing 20 election guidance banners. Police stated that he had removed the banners from around polling stations between the evening of May 30 and June 2, claiming he mistook them for illegal banners after early voting had concluded.
The election commission has reminded voters that taking photos of ballots or intentionally revealing them is prohibited. Disruptions or actions that undermine the voting process at or near polling stations can also lead to issues.
Police are investigating the reports to determine if any violations of the Public Official Election Act occurred.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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