Authorities pursue warrant for arrest of election worker suspected of voting on behalf of spouse
Early voting commencement in Seoul on May 30 marked a part of South Korea's snap presidential election set for June 3, 2025. This practice, introduced in 2013, allows eligible voters to vote before the official election day, enhancing flexibility and convenience for those who might be unavailable on the voting day. The purpose of early voting is to boost voter turnout and ensure the maximum possible participation in the democratic process.
The early voting process unfolded over two days, from May 29 to 30, 2025, with an estimated 3,568 polling stations across the country, including Seoul, operating from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time. The turnout was notably high, with 3.55% of eligible voters casting their ballots by 9:00 a.m. on the first day, surpassing previous records for early voting in the 2022 presidential election and the 2024 parliamentary election.
However, the early voting process faced some irregularities, such as the removal of ballots from polling stations and the discovery of ballots from previous elections in current ballot boxes, which raised questions about the integrity of the electoral process. Despite these challenges, early voting remains a significant component of South Korea's electoral system. The recent election, though, highlighted the need for enhanced vigilance and improved measures to maintain the integrity of the voting process.
In the dynamic landscape of South Korea, early voting in the presidential election of June 3, 2025, provided a platform for healthier democratic participation, also serving as a source of general news. However, crime-and-justice issues arose as irregularities in the early voting process led to concerns about the election's integrity, underscoring the importance of stronger political safeguards.
