Gwangju Seonam-dong Early Voting Station, Continuous Visits for Exercising Sovereign Rights

On the First Day of Voting, Voters Expect "Clean Politics" and "Restoration of Livelihoods"

Some Waited Before Polling Stations Opened... Voting Enthusiasm Heats Up

On the 5th, the early voting for the 22nd National Assembly election began, and at the Seonam-dong Early Voting Station set up at the Dong-gu Startup Support Center in Seoseok-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, voters continued to visit steadily to cast their precious votes.

On the 5th, when early voting for the 22nd National Assembly election began, voters are casting their ballots at the voting booths at the Seonam-dong Early Voting Station set up at the Dong-gu Startup Support Center in Seoseok-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City.
[Photo by Jin-Hyung Park]

On the day early voting started, a 'voting open run' phenomenon occurred from 6 a.m. Some residents waited in front of the door early in the morning to exercise their precious right as citizens and then left. After 8 a.m., many office workers who wanted to use their spare time before going to work came to vote, and at one point, a waiting line formed, showing the full-fledged election fever.

From 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. that day, a total of 215 voters came and went, including 97 local voters and 118 non-local voters. Mainly, middle-aged men dressed neatly were noticeable, and young voters in their 20s dressed comfortably were occasionally seen. People from other regions such as Seoul and Daejeon also stopped by briefly on business trips to exercise their precious rights.

Voters presented their ID cards to election officials, received ballots, and headed to the voting booths to choose individuals who will serve the local community for the next four years. Their expressions when putting the ballots into the ballot box showed carefulness and seriousness.

Listening to the voters met here, the general sentiment in Gwangju was that the current administration should be judged. As a stronghold of the Democratic Party of Korea and with a clear progressive tendency, a favorable atmosphere toward Democratic candidates was felt.

Mr. Lee (53) from Heukseok-dong, Gwangsan-gu, said, "Politics is not aligned with international affairs and is going in the opposite direction. South Korea was advancing confidently as a developed country, but in recent years it has regressed, so I voted to send a warning message."

Mr. Woon (70), residing in Seoseok-dong, Dong-gu, said, "There are many concerns about the current government's dogmatic and obstinate attitude. The economy for ordinary people is getting harder, but they are engaging in outdated ideological campaigns, so the theory of judging the administration inevitably arises."

Ms. Kim (58) from Duam-dong, Buk-gu, said, "I came to fulfill my duty as a citizen. I voted for a candidate who will practice clean and honest politics."

Mr. Lee (55) from Pungam-dong, Seo-gu, also said, "I participated in early voting hoping that many people across the nation will vote. Since this election concerns the country's future, I hope many people participate."

Early voting is being conducted nationwide at 3,565 early voting stations over two days starting from this day. Voting hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Voters can vote anywhere without separate registration. They must bring an ID card issued by a government or public institution that includes their date of birth and photo, such as a resident registration card, passport, or driver's license, to verify their identity.

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