Self-isolating Individuals Cannot Participate in 'Early Voting'... Possibility of 'Isolation Release' on Main Voting Day

Just bring your ID and mask
It doesn't matter how many times you fold the ballot... "Just make sure the marked part is not visible"
No photo verification inside the voting booth... 'Thumbs up or V sign' is allowed

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Early voting for the April 15 general election will take place over two days starting on the 10th, but voters who are self-quarantined due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) will find it difficult to participate in early voting.

According to the Central Election Commission on the 10th, for self-quarantined voters to vote, the relevant authorities must lift their quarantine. The Election Commission reviewed this matter with the authorities but could not reach a conclusion before the early voting period. Currently, if self-quarantined voters go out, they may face penalties under the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.

However, the Election Commission is preparing various measures in anticipation that 'quarantine release measures' will be implemented on the main voting day, April 15. Jo Seungho, head of the Public Relations Team at the Central Election Commission, said on MBC radio that day, "We are preparing multifaceted safety measures so that self-quarantined individuals and the public can vote with peace of mind in preparation for quarantine release measures," adding, "We expect to reach a conclusion in consultation with the relevant authorities that balances the right to health and the right to vote."

Currently, early voting is being conducted at over 3,500 locations nationwide. As of noon, the turnout rate is 4.9%, more than double the 2.2% turnout rate of the general election four years ago.

The Election Commission recommends that voters wear masks when coming to early voting sites. Team leader Jo said, "For your own safety, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and out of consideration for others, please wear a mask."

Upon arrival at the early voting site, voters will first undergo a temperature check. If there is no fever above 37.5 degrees Celsius or respiratory symptoms, voters should sanitize their hands using the provided hand sanitizer and wear the disposable plastic gloves distributed at the voting site before voting. The same procedure will apply on the main voting day, April 15. Team leader Jo explained, "Whether early voting or main voting, just bring your mask and ID card," adding, "The ID must have a photo and date of birth, such as a resident registration card or driver's license."

Regarding the party ballot paper, which measures 48.1 cm, he said, "There is no legal requirement on how many times it must be folded," but added, "You should fold it carefully so that others cannot see your marked choice before placing it in the ballot box."

For the main voting day, markings will be made to maintain a distance of at least 1 meter between the person in front and the person behind. This may result in longer waiting times. However, Team leader Jo added, "The line may get longer for waiting to vote, but it does not mean the line to enter the voting booth will be longer, so it is hard to say that the waiting time will increase significantly."

He also stated, "If you take a certification photo, it must be taken outside the voting site. Previously, showing specific symbols like a thumbs-up or 'V sign' and posting them on social media was prohibited, but now it is allowed if you are someone who can engage in election campaigning."

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