"Walking or Driving After 6 PM" ... Q&A on Voting Methods for Confirmed Cases and Contacts

Government Urges Compliance with Quarantine Guidelines on Election Day in National Address
Self-Isolators to Separate Routes and Use Walking or Quarantine Taxis

On the 7th, 30 days before the 20th presidential election, a signboard encouraging voter participation related to the presidential election was installed at the Express Bus Terminal in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

People who are in quarantine due to being confirmed COVID-19 cases or close contacts will also be able to vote in the presidential election on the 9th of next month. Additionally, all general voters will be allowed to enter polling stations only after their symptoms such as fever are checked, and if any abnormal symptoms are detected, they must move to a temporary voting booth to cast their vote.

On the 15th, the government announced a "Public Address" including these details at the Government Seoul Office as the election campaign for the 20th presidential election began.

The government stated that it will guarantee voting rights by extending polling station operating hours to allow quarantined individuals such as confirmed COVID-19 cases to participate in voting, and urged all voters to comply with quarantine guidelines while voting.

The expected questions and answers from the "Public Address" on that day have been organized in a Q&A format.

Q. How can quarantined individuals such as confirmed cases and close contacts participate in the election?

A. Due to amendments to the Public Official Election Act, quarantined individuals can vote during the extended hours on election day, March 9th, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. When exercising their voting rights, all voters will be required to strictly follow quarantine rules, such as using walking, private cars, or quarantine taxis to reach polling stations, to ensure they can vote safely and with peace of mind. Separate guidance on precautions when going out will be provided.

Q. What concerns exist regarding allowing confirmed cases to go out?

A. Currently, related agencies are discussing quarantine measures for voting and counting stations and during transit due to allowing confirmed cases to go out. Measures will include installing separate voting booths inside polling stations to separate the movement paths of quarantined individuals, and requiring them to use walking, private cars, or quarantine taxis when moving. Disinfection of voting and counting stations, maintaining at least 2 meters distance between voters, and wearing masks at all times except during identity verification are also being considered.

Q. What are the quarantine measures at voting and counting stations?

A. At voting and counting stations, the election management committee will actively promote quarantine rules such as social distancing between voters, refraining from unnecessary conversations, and disinfection and ventilation. Election staff who come into close contact with confirmed cases will wear four types of personal protective equipment including plastic gowns and face shields, while other staff will always wear disposable gloves and health masks (KF94 or higher).

Q. What precautions must be observed when voting?

A. All general voters will be allowed to enter polling stations only after checking for fever and symptoms. If a voter has a fever of 37.5 degrees Celsius or higher or respiratory symptoms, they will move to a temporary voting booth to vote. Except for identity verification procedures, masks and disposable gloves must be worn at all times, unnecessary conversations or contact should be avoided, and a distance of 2 meters should be maintained while waiting. These guidelines will also be provided on-site by voting staff.

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