Start of Registration for Preliminary Candidates in the 21st Presidential Election

The National Election Commission announced that the registration for preliminary candidates for the 21st presidential election will begin today (the 4th).

According to the National Election Commission on the 4th, individuals wishing to register as preliminary candidates must submit documents proving their eligibility, such as a certificate of family relations, records of previous convictions, and documents proving their educational background. Additionally, a deposit of 60 million won is required, which is 20% of the 300 million won deposit for official candidates.

Deposit of 60 million won

Preliminary candidates can engage in election campaigns by: ▲ establishing campaign offices ▲ distributing campaign business cards ▲ preparing and sending promotional materials for preliminary candidates within the limit of 10% of the total number of households nationwide ▲ wearing or possessing shoulder bands or signs ▲ publishing and selling one type of preliminary candidate pledge book through usual means (excluding door-to-door sales).

Even those who are not preliminary candidates or election staff can conduct election campaigns at any time through text messages, websites, or electronic mail. It is also permissible to use phones or spoken words for election campaigning at times other than election days.

However, to conduct election campaigns by sending text messages through automatic broadcasting or by outsourcing electronic mail transmission to an agency, one must register as a preliminary candidate or an official candidate.

Start of 'Overseas Absentee Voter Registration' from Today (the 4th)

From today onwards, individuals who are registered residents and wish to vote from abroad may also begin registering as overseas absentee voters. Students, expatriates, and travelers can register as overseas absentee voters by visiting the National Election Commission's website or by directly visiting diplomatic missions, or applying via mail or electronic mail.

Overseas voters (Korean nationals who are not registered residents) can also apply for registration using the same methods as mentioned above.

Meanwhile, the National Election Commission plans to hold a full meeting of election commissioners at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th at the Gwacheon headquarters to discuss plans for the early presidential election and election strategies.

Image source: Gyeonggi Gwacheon City National Election Commission/News1