"Someone Else's Signature on the Voter List?" ... 62 Reports Filed in Gyeongnam During the 21st Presidential Election

On June 3, the day of the 21st presidential election, disturbances related to polling stations occurred nationwide, with related reports also being filed in various parts of Gyeongnam.

According to the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency, at around 3:07 p.m., a man at a polling station in Jinju City reported to authorities after discovering, during identity verification, that someone else had signed his entry on the voter list.

Upon investigation by the police and the election commission, it was found that the polling station official had mistakenly directed a person with a similar name to sign in the wrong section. It was reported that the man in question was able to sign in the correct section and complete his vote without issue.

On the day of the 21st presidential election, a citizen at a polling station in Masanhwoewon District, Changwon City, Gyeongnam, is placing a ballot paper into the ballot box under the guidance of an election official. Photo by Lee Seryung

Earlier, at around 6:35 a.m., a man at a polling station in Buk-myeon, Uichang District, Changwon City, protested that the voting process was taking too long.

At around 8:36 a.m., at a polling station in Yangdeok-dong, Masanhwoewon District, Changwon City, a man who had mistaken the polling station expressed dissatisfaction over voting issues, leading to a dispute with another citizen and prompting a police response.

At around 9:49 a.m., at a polling station in Sangnam-dong, Seongsan District, Changwon City, a man who believed he could vote regardless of his residence, as in early voting, was prevented from voting and expressed his dissatisfaction. With police assistance, he was guided to the polling station corresponding to his registered address.

As of 8 p.m. that day, a total of 62 reports related to incidents and accidents at polling stations had been received by the police. None of the individuals involved were formally charged.

The final voter turnout in the Gyeongnam region for the 21st presidential election was provisionally tallied at 78.5%.