Some Voters Post Bare Skin Voting Certification Photos on SNS
Also Stamp Children's Hands When Going to Polling Stations Together
Government Requests Restraint Due to COVID-19 Spread Concerns
"These Actions Stem from the Thought 'I Will Be Okay'"
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Some voters who participated in the April 7 by-elections posted photos of their voting certification on social networking services (SNS), showing stamps on their hands, palms, and other parts of their bodies. The government had previously requested that people refrain from showing bare skin when certifying their votes due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19.
On the 8th, posts showing voting stamps on bare skin could be easily found on Instagram and other SNS platforms. These posts were uploaded by several voters who participated in the by-elections the day before, tagged with '#votingcertification'. The stamped areas varied, including the back of the hand, wrist, and palm. Some also posted certification photos showing stamps on the bare skin of acquaintances or young children who visited the polling station together.
At polling stations, voters were instructed not to remove their plastic gloves until they left the building to prevent stamping on bare skin, but this guidance was ineffective. Voter Kim (70) said, "This is my second time voting during the COVID-19 situation, but I still feel uneasy," adding, "I often saw people removing their plastic gloves before even leaving the building."
There are concerns that bare skin certification photos could potentially become a channel for COVID-19 transmission. During the last election held under COVID-19 conditions?the April 15, 2020 general election?the government also requested that people refrain from stamping bare skin or plastic gloves and instead post their voting confirmation slips on SNS. The Central Election Commission similarly recommended this to voters in the recent election.
Earlier, on the 2nd, Democratic Party lawmaker Ko Min-jung posted a certification photo on her Facebook showing a stamp on her thumb after early voting, which sparked controversy. In response, Ko said, "There were criticisms regarding the early voting certification photo," and apologized for the inappropriate behavior. She added, "I will strictly follow the recommended COVID-19 prevention guidelines going forward."
Experts explain that despite the government's requests, the persistence of bare skin voting certification photos is due to a diminished sensitivity toward COVID-19 prevention. Professor Chun Eun-mi of the Respiratory Medicine Department at Ewha Mokdong Hospital said, "Since other voters wear plastic gloves, the probability of COVID-19 spreading through bare skin voting certification is low," but added, "This behavior stems from the mindset of 'I will be fine.' To protect not only others but also oneself from COVID-19, it is necessary to renew awareness of adhering to prevention policies."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
