"MZ Generation's Voting Certification Shots Stand Out: Stamping Characters Instead of Hands"

A New Voting Culture Emerges Among MZ Generation
Character-Themed Certification Papers Go Viral on SNS
From Hand Stamps to Personalized Voting Proof
Creativity and Individuality Shine in Election Participation
Strict Rules Remain for Photography in Polling Stations

On May 29, the first day of early voting for the 21st presidential election, social networking services (SNS) have been flooded with "certification shots" from voters verifying their participation. In particular, a unique voting culture has emerged among the MZ generation, with many stamping "voting certification papers" featuring popular characters and posting them on SNS platforms.

SNS voting certification shot. Instagram capture

On this day, SNS platforms were quickly filled with certification shots from people who had completed voting. The once-classic method of stamping the back of one's hand has become outdated, while the trend of preparing a separate "voting certification paper" and stamping it has been spreading as a new and unique voting culture.

These "voting certification papers" are being shared in various forms across SNS and online communities. A search for "#투표인증용지" (voting certification paper) on Instagram, Korea's most-used SNS, yields thousands of related posts. Many of these papers feature characters popular with the MZ generation on SNS, such as "Manggeureojin Gom," "Dew Ganadi," and "Animal Crossing." Papers themed around one's favorite baseball team are also gaining popularity.

MZ generation voters are choosing their preferred voting certification paper, which is distributed on SNS in advance, printing it out, and stamping it at the polling booth to certify their vote. This represents a new voting certification culture that has replaced the hand-stamping method. It appears to have naturally emerged during the 21st National Assembly election in 2020, when the spread of COVID-19 made wearing plastic gloves mandatory and stamping the back of the hand became difficult.

SNS voting certification shot. Instagram capture

Voters who did not bring a voting certification paper with them created their own by drawing with a pen or stamping photos they already owned, then posting these on SNS to express their individuality. Online, people have shared comments such as, "It's great to both certify my vote and enjoy my favorite characters," and, "Let's have fun participating in the election."

While voting certification shots are permitted, there are important rules to keep in mind. Photography is strictly prohibited inside polling stations and voting booths. Regardless of whether the ballot is marked, taking photos of the ballot or of oneself voting is illegal. According to the National Election Commission, photographing a ballot inside the voting booth can result in up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 4 million won under the Public Official Election Act.