Early voting turnout reaches 8.15% by 3 p.m.; Jeollanam-do highest, Daegu lowest

The early voting for South Korea's 9th National Simultaneous Local Elections and National Assembly by-elections saw a turnout of 8.15% as of 3 p.m. on May 29, the first day of the two-day early voting period. A total of 3,640,057 out of 44,649,908 eligible voters had cast their ballots since voting began at 6 a.m.

This figure represents a slight increase compared to the same period during the 2022 local elections, when the turnout was 7.25%. The early voting process allows citizens to cast their ballots at any of the 3,571 designated polling stations nationwide, regardless of their registered address. Voting is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until May 30.

Geographically, Jeollanam-do recorded the highest early voting turnout at 16.66%, while Daegu had the lowest at 6.35%. Seoul's turnout stood at 7.66%, and Busan's was 7.47%. Voters are reminded to bring their identification to the polling stations. For the main election on June 3, voters must cast their ballots at polling stations assigned to their residential addresses.

Most voters will receive seven ballots, but those in constituencies holding National Assembly by-elections will receive an additional eighth ballot. The early voting period is a crucial opportunity for citizens to participate in the democratic process, with provisions made for accessibility across the country.