"Voter Who Damaged Ballot Paper to Replace It Faces Prosecution"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Gwangju Metropolitan City Election Commission announced on the 9th that it has reported Mr. A, who damaged his ballot paper at a polling station, to the Gwangju District Prosecutors' Office.

Mr. A is suspected of tearing his ballot paper at a polling station in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, at around 8:56 a.m. that day.

It is known that Mr. A tore and damaged the ballot paper to receive a reissuance because he thought the ballot was invalid as only half of the marking tool was stamped.

Article 244 (Assault or disturbance against election officials or facilities) Paragraph 1 of the Public Official Election Act stipulates that damaging a ballot paper is punishable by imprisonment for not less than one year and not more than ten years or a fine of not less than 5 million won and not more than 30 million won.

The Gwangju Election Commission stated, “Even if only half of the ballot paper is marked, it is not invalid if it is clear that the marking tool used is an official one, and once the ballot paper is received, it cannot be exchanged,” adding, “Damaging ballot papers is an act that undermines the fair election management order, and strict measures will be taken according to relevant regulations if illegal acts occur.”

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