The Public Administration Committee Discusses 'Drive-Through' Voting to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

Minister Jinyoung: "I will talk with the Election Commission"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] The National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee discussed various measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) during the April 15 general election voting at a plenary session held on the 10th to review the supplementary budget.

Kim Han-jung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said, "There are concerns about voter turnout amid ongoing public anxiety," and added, "We should consider providing masks to voters who risk their safety to come out and vote." In response, Jin Young, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, replied, "I will discuss this once with the Central Election Commission."

When Kim asked, "How will those under self-quarantine, excluding confirmed cases, be handled?" Minister Jin mentioned, "The Election Commission is preparing a method for confirmed cases to vote by advance mail-in ballots, and we can consider a similar method for those under self-quarantine to vote by mail."

Kim inquired, "Is there a way to pilot a drive-through voting method, where voters can cast their ballots while remaining in their cars, similar to the screening clinics, in areas like Daegu and Gyeongbuk?" Minister Jin responded, "I will also discuss that with the Election Commission."

Jeon Hye-sook, chairperson of the Public Administration and Security Committee and a member of the Democratic Party, said, "This is the most important inquiry related to the election," and added, "In tomorrow’s meeting, we will hear responses from the Secretary-General of the Election Commission regarding mask distribution during voting and car voting for confirmed and self-quarantined individuals."

Lee Jin-bok, a member of the United Future Party, commented on the meeting's conduct, saying, "I am wondering whether we should wear masks, but the minister is not wearing one," and pointed out, "Shouldn't we open the windows during the meeting? We need to consider that the government lacks a manual for indoor meetings."

Lee suggested that masks should be distributed nationwide through community leaders rather than pharmacies, and Minister Jin said, "We are also considering such measures."

So Byung-hoon, a Democratic Party member, mentioned an apartment in Daegu where Shincheonji Church members are confirmed to be living collectively, stating, "I am confident that such apartments are scattered nationwide. Many stores near collective residential facilities also belong to Shincheonji," and demanded, "We must find those Shincheonji members who are hiding, even if it requires public reporting."

Pyo Chang-won, a Democratic Party member, regarding the 'disaster basic income' advocated by Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung and Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo, said, "A legal basis must be established to provide cash payments limited to disaster victims." Minister Jin responded, "I think it could be a necessary system for future welfare frameworks, but currently, even looking at foreign cases, there is no clear evidence of significant effects," adding, "There needs to be public consensus, and more research is required."

Pyo pointed out, "Public hospitals can always be prepared to respond to disasters, but there are none in Gyeongnam," and criticized, "Public hospitals should not be neglected to the point where they bear deficits and endure complaints from local residents." Minister Jin replied, "Local medical centers are mostly structured to incur deficits, but we should not think they are unnecessary," and added, "We need to secure a certain number of public hospitals while ensuring they operate soundly."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.