The Korean National Police Agency said that on the 3rd, the day of the main vote for the 9th nationwide local elections (the June 3 local elections), there were 213 calls to 112 related to the election nationwide from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The reports included 28 cases of obstructing voting and disturbances, 10 cases of traffic inconveniences, and two assaults. Another 173 were misreports and other calls.
At a polling station in Gwanak District, Seoul, a man in his 30s caused a disturbance after being stopped when he tried to photograph his ballot inside the voting booth, according to reports.
Under the Public Official Election Act, photographing a ballot inside the voting booth can result in up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 4 million won. If the photo is posted on social media (SNS) or in group chat rooms, the penalty increases for violating ballot secrecy.
At a polling station in Yeongdeungpo District, a woman in her 70s protested, claiming the ballot she received was already marked. However, because her claim differed from the election worker's account, police plan to verify the facts.
At a polling station in Ulsan, a voter in his 30s said he had marked the ballot incorrectly and requested a new one, but when it was not accepted, he damaged the ballot.
Once a mark has been made anywhere on the ballot, a replacement cannot be requested. Also, damaging a ballot is punishable as a violation of the Public Official Election Act.
As of 1 p.m. that day, including early voting, turnout was 46%. That is 7.7 percentage points higher than during the 8th local elections four years ago.