Early voting for the June 3 local elections took place on Friday and Saturday, recording a turnout of 23.51 percent, the highest for local elections since 2014. President Lee Jae Myung faced criticism over his actions at a polling station and social media posts urging participation.
According to the National Election Commission, early voting turnout reached 23.51 percent. This marks the highest level since early voting was introduced for local elections in 2014.
President Lee Jae Myung was filmed holding an unfolded ballot while asking an election official a question. The People Power Party filed a police complaint alleging a violation of election law, but the National Election Commission ruled that no legal violation occurred. The president also drew criticism for social media posts encouraging voter participation.
Regional turnout differences stood out. South Jeolla Province recorded the highest rate at 38.95 percent, while Daegu posted the lowest at 18.65 percent. Former presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak campaigned for People Power Party candidates in Daegu and Busan respectively.
The elections include races for local offices and 14 National Assembly by-elections. The results are widely seen as a midterm assessment of President Lee's first year in office.
