What is Early Voting (사전투표)?

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📌 What is Early Voting (사전투표)?

Early voting, known in Korean as 사전투표 (Sajeon-tupyo), refers to a system that allows eligible voters to cast their ballots before the official election day. In South Korea, this system enables all voters to vote at any early voting station nationwide, regardless of their registered address, and without the need for prior registration or notice.

✅ Official term: Early Voting
✅ Legal basis: Article 155-2 of the Public Official Election Act
✅ Duration: Two days—the Friday and Saturday before election day
✅ Eligibility: All registered voters without prior application





📌 Background and Purpose of Early Voting

The early voting system in South Korea was introduced to address several challenges and to improve voter accessibility and participation. Here's why it was implemented:

  1. Increase Voter Turnout
    → It provides more opportunities to vote, especially for those unable to vote on election day.

  2. Guarantee Voting Rights More Effectively
    → Encourages political participation and strengthens democratic engagement.

  3. Simplify Procedures
    → Replaced the older "absentee ballot application" process, which was cumbersome and underutilized.

  4. Reflect Modern Lifestyles
    → Accommodates the diverse and busy schedules of contemporary citizens.

South Korea introduced early voting through a revision of the election law in 2013, and it was first implemented during the 2014 local elections (6th Local Elections).

📌 Early Voting Process in South Korea

✅ When is it held?

  • Friday and Saturday before the official election day, for a total of 2 days

  • Voting hours: 6 AM to 6 PM

✅ Where to vote?

  • Early voting stations are set up in each city, county, or district (eup/myeon/dong).

  • Voters can vote anywhere in the country, not just in their registered constituency.

✅ What to bring?

  • A valid ID: Resident registration card, driver’s license, passport, or a mobile digital ID

✅ How does it work?

  1. Voter arrives at any early voting station.

  2. Identity is verified by election officials.

  3. A ballot paper is issued electronically.

  4. The voter marks the ballot in a booth.

  5. If voting outside their registered district, the ballot is sealed and mailed to the correct constituency.

📌 Early Voting vs. Main Voting Day

FeatureEarly VotingElection Day Voting
TimingFriday & Saturday before election dayThe official election day (usually Wednesday)
LocationAny early voting station nationwideYour assigned polling station only
Application neededNoNo
MethodBallot issued via systemBallot issued manually
Ballot handlingMailed to home constituency (if outside area)Cast directly into ballot box

📌 Pros and Cons of Early Voting

✅ Pros

  1. Increased Accessibility
    → People who are traveling, working, or unavailable on election day can still vote.

  2. Higher Turnout Rates
    → South Korea has seen increased voter participation since the system was introduced.

  3. Flexible Voting Options
    → Available over the weekend and outside of one’s registered area.

  4. Simplified Process
    → No need to apply in advance, unlike absentee voting in some other countries.

❌ Cons / Concerns

  1. Allegations of Electoral Fraud
    → Some political groups have raised concerns about potential manipulation (though no evidence has been validated).

  2. Security During Ballot Transit
    → For voters outside their home district, ballots must be mailed—raising concerns about mishandling or tampering.

  3. Administrative Burden
    → Requires additional staff, security, and resources over a longer period.

  4. Timing Information Disadvantage
    → Voters who cast their ballot early may miss out on important late-breaking news, policy announcements, or candidate issues.

📌 Notable Controversies

🗳️ 2020 South Korean Legislative Election (21st National Assembly)

  • Some claimed that early voting results were manipulated via QR codes and ballot counting machines.

  • The National Election Commission (NEC) denied these claims and took legal action against disinformation campaigns.

🔒 Accessibility Issues

  • Voters with disabilities, particularly those who are visually impaired or have limited mobility, have reported difficulties during early voting.

📌 Cultural Impact

  1. Voting Selfies and Social Media
    → It has become popular for voters to post proof of their early voting (usually with a sticker or photo) on platforms like Instagram and Twitter.

  2. Civic Engagement
    → NGOs and celebrities actively promote early voting to encourage broader participation.

📌 International Comparisons

CountryEarly Voting Available?Characteristics
USAYesVaries by state; includes mail-in and in-person options
JapanYesRequires prior notice and specific locations
GermanyYesMainly done via postal voting
FranceLimitedEmphasis on voting on election day; early voting rare
FinlandYesEarly voting available in municipal buildings, post offices

📌 Conclusion

Early voting in South Korea has become an essential part of the electoral process. It enhances the convenience and inclusivity of elections, especially for people with time constraints or limited mobility. While it has faced criticism and occasional controversy, the benefits—particularly in improving voter turnout and providing flexibility—are significant.

As elections are the cornerstone of democracy, early voting ensures that more citizens can exercise their right to vote in a way that fits their lifestyle. It's a practical, forward-looking policy that strengthens democratic engagement.

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