The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency reported that by noon on the 3rd, 54 reports had been received regarding polling places for the 21st presidential election.
At a polling place in Seocho-gu, Seoul, a woman in her 50s reported to the police around 9:22 a.m. that she discovered election officials had removed the serial numbers from the bottom of the ballots and stamped them in advance.
As a result of confirmation by election commission staff and election observers, it was found that measures had been taken, such as stamping in advance to prepare for a rush of voters on site. A polling supervisor reportedly said, "We will thoroughly manage the ballots according to the principles."
At the Suyu Elementary School polling place in Gangbuk-gu, a woman in her 60s, who had finished early voting at around 11:12 a.m., caused a commotion by saying, "I will check if I am deleted from the voter list." This woman left the scene before the police arrived. The police plan to investigate if the election commission files a complaint against her.
A red balloon inscribed with the words "President Kim Moon-soo" caused a stir at the entrance of the polling place at Wonmyeong Elementary School in Seocho-gu. This balloon was reportedly set up by people dressed in red. Election officials immediately removed the balloon upon discovery and reported it to the Seocho-gu election commission. The election commission plans to decide on whether to file a complaint after conducting its own investigation.
The Public Official Election Act prohibits any actions or statements supporting or opposing a specific party or candidate within 100 meters of a polling place. Violators face up to five years in prison or fines of up to 30 million won.
This polling place is located at the Acro Vista apartment, the residence of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. Former President Yoon and his wife, Kim Keon-hee, visited this location to vote around 9:40 a.m.