First Day Early Voting Rate Low at 4.9% by 12 PM... More Than Twice That of the 20s General Election

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] As of 12 noon on the first day of early voting for the 21st National Assembly election on the 10th, the voter turnout rate was recorded at 4.9%. At the same time during the 20th general election held in 2016, the turnout rate was 2.22%. So far, this is the highest early voting turnout rate in history.

The National Election Commission announced that out of a total of 43,994,247 registered voters, 2,154,669 had cast their votes in the early voting that began at 6 a.m. that day.

As of 12 noon, the region with the highest early voting turnout rate was Jeollanam-do at 8.11%, followed by Jeollabuk-do at 7.56%. The lowest turnout was recorded in Daegu Metropolitan City at 3.86%.

Early voting takes place over two days, from the 10th to the 11th. A total of 3,508 polling stations have been set up nationwide. Voting hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and voters must bring identification. All voters are required to disinfect their hands with the provided sanitizer and wear disposable plastic gloves before voting.