Election Commission Cut Ballot Standards Without Meeting, Sparking Shortages

South Korea's National Election Commission (NEC) reduced the minimum ballot printing standard to 50% from 60% for the June 3 local elections, a decision made through internal approval without official meeting minutes. This move resulted in ballot shortages at 91 polling stations nationwide. The NEC stated that the guideline was compiled from departmental opinions and approved internally, while the revision of the election procedure manual followed consultations with regional commissions, though no separate meeting was held. The NEC claims that regional election offices are responsible for determining the actual number of ballots to print based on local conditions. However, the Songpa District Election Commission, which experienced shortages, argued it followed the NEC's guidelines and past voter turnout. Past turnout data from 2014 and 2018 in specific districts within Songpa showed over 50% voter participation in the general election, suggesting the minimum standard should have been adjusted. Lawmaker Song Eon-seok of the People Power Party criticized the decision as dereliction of duty and a violation of citizens' right to vote, demanding a parliamentary inquiry and special prosecutor investigation.

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The guideline was compiled from departmental opinions and approved internally.