Q&A regarding absentee voting and Integrated electoral register |
Q1. What is “the integrated electoral register” that is newly adopted?
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‣ It is the voters list that is integrated and managed nationwide in one electoral register by computerizing paper voters lists which was prepared by each Gu/City/Gun(Municipal District).
‣ By using the integrated electoral register, the voters can cast a vote anywhere the absentee polling station is placed prior to the Election day without applying for the absentee voting.
‣ However, the voters who has a difficulty in moving due to physical disability can have a vote in a method of residence voting by post mail after applying for the absentee voting as before. → Q5 |
Q2. What are reasons for adopting the integrated electoral register?
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‣ First of all, it is adopted to enhance the convenience of voters.
‣ Previously, in case of national-level election, voters had to apply for the absentee voting if he/she cannot vote on the Election day due to personal affairs. However, when the integrated electoral register is adopted, the voters can have a vote anywhere the absentee polling station is placed prior to the Election day without any absentee voting application.
‣ Second, the absentee polling station would be installed for the By-elections as well. As a result, illegal acts like proxy-voting which could happen in the residence voting system will be prevented.
‣ It can be applied to all public elections since January 1, 2013 in accordance with Public Official Election Act revised in February 29, 2012. |
Q3. Where absentee polling stations will be placed?
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‣ For the election by the completion of the office term, absentee polling stations will be situated in all Eup/Myeon/Dong (Town level) across the nation. |
Q4. How can voters cast a vote at the absentee polling station?
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‣ The voter can vote at a place where the absentee polling station is installed by presenting his/her ID card during the periods of absentee voting without additional report or applications.
‣ The voter presents his/her ID card to identify him/herself, signs with his/her thumbprint or gives a signature at the electronic pad, and be distributed the ballot and mailing envelope through the ballot dispenser.
‣ After getting the ballot, mark the ballot with the marking device, seal the mailing envelop with the ballot and put it into the ballot box |
Q5. Who will be the subjects for mail-in voting? (Who should apply for the absentee voting?)
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‣ The voters who can apply for mail-in voting are as follow:
1) the confirmation of the head of Tong/Ri/Ban for the voters with severe physical disability, 2) the confirmation of the commander or the police office which a service person or police official in the barrack far from the absentee polling station is belonged to and 3) the confirmation of the head of relevant institute or facility for those living in a hospital, nursing home, camp or prison (Include detention centers).
‣ In addition, 4) the voters living outside Gu/City/Gun(Municipal District) which controls the district in which the election will be held also can have a vote after applying for the absentee voting. |
Q6. Please explain the process till ballot counting after closing the absentee voting.
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‣ After closing the vote on each day during the absentee voting period, poll workers open the ballot box to count the number of ballots(the number of mailing envelopes for the absentee voting) while the absentee voting observer is watching. The stamped addressed envelope will be sent out to the competent election commission via registered mail.
‣ The competent election commission receives the stamped addressed envelope and put/store the envelop in the postal voter''''''''s ballot box while a commissioner recommended by a party is taking part in.
‣ The postal voter''''''''s ballot box will be transferred to the counting center and be disclosed after closing the vote on the by-election day at 8pm while the counting observer participates in. |
Q7. Will the integrated electoral register be used in the 6th local election in 2014 as well?
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‣ The integrated electoral register is used for all public elections. So, it will be used in 2014 local election.
‣ The 2014 local election will be simultaneously held nationwide and the voters can cast a vote at any polling station for the absentee voting without the absentee voting application. |
Absentee Voting of By-Election on April 24th using Integrated Electoral Register |
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‣ The application period for absentee voting
: April 5 ~ April 9(5 days).
? How to apply: The applicants for the absentee voting should fill out the absentee voting application form and send it to the head of Gu/City/Gun (Municipal District) or Eup/Myeon/Dong (Town level) that controls the applicant''''''''s residence registration or domestic residence report to be arrived till 6pm in April 9 via postal mail or in person.
? How to do: The absentee voters will get the ballot paper for the absentee voting in post mail. The absentee voters should send it back by post mail (free) after marking the ballot and putting it into the stamped address envelop. The mail-in vote must be arrived till the time of closing the vote at the election date (8pm in April 24).
? Where: One absentee polling station will be installed at each Eup/Myeon/Dong (Town level) where the election will be held.
? Valid ID: Registration card, passport, driving license, men of national merit certificate, certificate issued by the public office/institutions or documents recorded/managed by the public office/institution, which can identify the voters with the photo.
‣ The period and time of absentee voting
: April 19 ~ April 20 (2 days) from 6am to 4pm
‣ Date of By-election: April 24 |
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