The Election Commission Requires 25 Million Masks for Voters... Total Cost of 50.1 Billion Won

"Drive-Thru" Voting Requires "Mid- to Long-Term Review"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] The National Election Commission (NEC) on the 12th requested government-wide support, stating that it is necessary to provide masks to all voters as a COVID-19 prevention measure for the April 15 general election voting.

In materials submitted to the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee on the same day, the NEC stated, "Approximately 50.1 billion KRW is required to supply masks to voters participating in the election," and added, "Government-wide support is necessary to secure the mask supply as part of the COVID-19 countermeasures."

The NEC estimated that out of about 43.2 million total registered voters, applying the 58% turnout rate from the previous 20th general election, approximately 25 million masks need to be secured for voters. Assuming a mask unit price of 2,000 KRW each, the total cost for securing the supply is expected to be 50.1 billion KRW.

The NEC explained, "The state is obligated under the Public Official Election Act to take necessary measures to guarantee the exercise of voting rights," and added, "It is expected that voter turnout will be low due to increased anxiety caused by the spread of COVID-19."

As a measure to increase voter participation, the NEC pointed out the need to amend the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act to allow absentee voting for COVID-19 self-quarantined individuals. It also proposed that for those confirmed positive after the absentee voting registration deadline, health authorities should permit movement to enable voting participation.

Meanwhile, regarding the 'drive-through' voting method at early voting stations where voters remain inside their vehicles, the NEC stated, "Due to legal interpretation and practical difficulties close to the election, mid- to long-term review is necessary." This is because it is difficult to verify the identity of voters if they do not exit their vehicles, and in vehicles with two or more occupants, there are concerns that the principle of secret ballot may be violated.

The NEC also plans to prepare COVID-19 prevention measures considering the current situation, as difficulties are expected in overseas voting at diplomatic missions due to city lockdowns in countries such as Italy.

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