Polling Stations Crowded from Dawn... "Every Vote Counts in a Tight Race" "National Unity Needed"

On the morning of the 9th, the main voting day of the 20th presidential election, around 70 people were lined up to vote at the 3rd polling station of 1st district in Imun-dong at 6:28 AM. One citizen said, "I lined up to cast my precious vote," adding, "I chose a time when people wouldn't crowd due to the COVID-19 pandemic."
Photo by Hwang Seoyul

[Asia Economy Reporters Daehyun Kim, Gyumin Oh, Seoyul Hwang] "I have a candidate I support, but since it's such a close race, I feel my vote is even more precious."

At 5:30 a.m. on the 9th, at the 4th polling station in Chang 2-dong, Dobong-gu, Seoul. A voter, dressed warmly and waiting 30 minutes before voting began, said they came out early in the morning feeling excited like when they were a class president candidate in childhood.

The curtain rose on the 20th presidential election voting. Voting began simultaneously at 6 a.m. at 14,464 polling stations nationwide.

At the 4th polling station in Chang 2-dong, about 50 residents formed a long line even before voting started. Most of the voters who lined up early were elderly, but after 6 a.m., the number of young voters in their 20s and 30s gradually increased. The number of people waiting grew to 130 within 15 minutes, stretching the line to about 100 meters.

Ms. Jo Myunghyun (68, female, pseudonym) said, "I had to go to work, so I thought I must vote and came out early," adding, "In this close election, my vote feels even more precious." Mr. Park (39, male) said, "The line seems longer than during early voting," and added, "Since the race is so tight, it feels like I’m personally choosing the president."

"Is it not possible now? Should I wait outside?" (Mr. A, 77 years old), "No, please come in and wait." (Volunteer). At the 2nd polling station in Sadang 4-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, people gathered about 10 minutes before voting started. Mr. Jeon Jeonghwan (80, male) and his family were the first to cast their votes at this polling station. Jeon said, "I always come out early to vote every election," and added, "This election is especially meaningful. I hope every voter comes out and votes."

At the 3rd polling station in Imun 1-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, a long line of about 70 residents formed within 20 minutes of voting starting. Mr. Choi Seunggi (38, male) said, "I came out now because I was worried about the risk of catching COVID-19 if too many people gathered."

Some residents turned away due to the unexpectedly long line. Mr. A, met in front of the 4th polling station in Chang 2-dong, said with a smile, "I thought voting would be quick if I came early, but the line is too long. I plan to come back at another time." A volunteer said, "People tend to come around 6 a.m. to vote before going to work," and hinted, "The line will gradually decrease after that but will lengthen again around 8 to 9 a.m."

At around 6:15 a.m. on the 9th, a long queue formed at the 4th polling station in Chang 2-dong, Dobong-gu, Seoul. Approximately 130 people were waiting since voting began at 6 a.m. / Photo by Oh Gyumin

Voters had different hopes for the new president. Mr. Jeon said, "This is a crucial election for the country's safety and system," and added, "I hope the new president focuses on diplomatic issues."

Some voters emphasized solving economic problems. Mr. Park said, "I hope a president who can revitalize the economy during these difficult times due to COVID-19 is elected." Mr. Choi said, "(The next government) should stabilize housing prices and increase the birth rate," adding, "I think the country's competitiveness decreases as the number of children declines. Society itself is competitive, so I think that's why."

Mr. Kang (25, male), who visited the polling station on a motorcycle before going to work, said, "Young people today are beyond the 'N-po generation' and find it hard to dream about tomorrow. The economy is tough, so many prefer to live alone rather than start a family," adding, "I think politics must change."

Voices demanding the 'implementation of pledges' were also heard. Ms. Lee Eonjin (37, female), an office worker who came to the polling station with her twin brothers and younger brother, said, "I hope the candidate I vote for shows concrete actions rather than empty promises like 'I will do something for the people.'"

One voter raised their voice, saying, "Our country needs harmony. (The new president) should not provoke too much conflict."

Voters also expressed anxiety regarding the earlier controversy over 'poor management of early voting.' Mr. Lee said, "I don't think I saw any information on 'how they will handle it,' so I feel uneasy," adding, "I'm worried my vote might disappear entirely. I wonder if voting for confirmed COVID-19 patients will be properly conducted." Mr. Kang also explained, "I felt uneasy about early voting. I watched carefully until I personally put my ballot into the box."

Unlike early voting, on the presidential election day, all voters must vote only at the polling station corresponding to their registered address. A volunteer at the 2nd polling station in Sadang 4-dong said, "About 20 people came to the wrong polling station within an hour," adding, "Not only elderly but also young people are confused."

On this day, voting times for general voters and COVID-19 confirmed or quarantined voters are separated. General voters can vote from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and COVID-19 confirmed or quarantined voters can vote from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Residents are lining up at a polling station set up in Sadang 4-dong. / Photo by Kim Daehyun

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