Shipboard Voting

• What is Shipboard Voting?

  • A seafarer who is qualified for the enrollment in the official list of eligible voters but is unable to vote at an early voting polling station or a regular polling station because he or she is scheduled to be or is on board any of the following ships

• Which Elections the Shipboard Voting System Applies to?

  • Presidential elections or National Assembly election held at the expiration of the terms of office of the members of the National Assembly

• How to Register for Shipboard Voting

  • He or she may file a report in writing [including where a seafarer on board files a report via facsimile (including electronic methods; hereinafter the same shall apply) in the relevant ship] with the head of the competent Gu/Si/Gun during the period for preparation of the official list of eligible voters

• Significance of Shipboard Voting

  • Realizing the right to vote as stipulated in the Constitution

    Seafarers have faithfully fulfilled the four major duties of Korean citizens: national defense, labor, education, and tax payment, but when it comes to elections, they cannot exercise their right to vote, which is the core of their basic political rights, simply because they are on board the ship on election day.

  • Encouraging pride and patriotism as Korean citizens

    With the introduction of the onboard voting system, seafarers will be able to exercise their right to vote, which will reflect their opinions in state affairs and lead to many national policies for them, which will greatly contribute to the advancement of seafarers’ rights and interests. In addition, with the guarantee of secret voting through Shieldfax, they will be able to exercise their right to vote even in the middle of the ocean, so it is expected that they will be able to feel pride and patriotism as Korean citizens no matter where they are in the world.