[Report] "We must rebuild the fallen nation"... Crowds on the first day of early voting

【Financial News Ansan (Gyeonggi)=Jang Yuha Reporter】"I hope a candidate who can resolve the chaotic situation becomes president."
　
On the 29th, the first day of early voting for the 21st presidential election, citizens flocked to the polling stations from early morning to exercise their right to vote. Citizens headed to the polling station as it opened. As time passed, the number of citizens visiting the polling station increased.
At around 8:30 a.m. that day, citizens met at the Jungang-dong Administrative Welfare Center in Ansan, Gyeonggi, included couples holding hands, couples with strollers, and elderly people relying on canes, representing voters across generations. Following the guidance of the polling staff, they entered one by one, verified their identity with an ID, received a ballot, and cast their precious vote.
Citizens visiting the polling station unanimously expressed their hope for a better world. A person in their 30s, Mr. Kim, said, "I stopped by before running errands" and "I voted for a candidate who can solve the unfavorable national situation."
Mr. Lee (28), who visited the polling station after work, said, "I chose a candidate who seems to be beneficial for young people living in the future." Another citizen visiting the polling station emphasized, "I don't expect anything grand," and "I hope an honest candidate who can create an honest world becomes president."
There was also an opinion that this election is an opportunity to set the country right. Mr. Jang (33) expressed, "I hope the new president will rebuild the fallen Republic of Korea," and "That's why I voted with a more earnest heart." Mr. Lee (58) also wished, "Because absurd things like martial law happened, I hope for a change of government."
As time passed, the waiting line in front of the early voting center grew longer. According to the National Election Commission, as of 10 a.m. on the first day of early voting, 2,328,108 out of 44,391,871 eligible voters nationwide participated, recording an average turnout of 5.24%. This is the highest figure for a nationwide election, excluding by-elections, since the early voting system was first applied to nationwide elections in the June 4, 2014 local elections.
At the same time, in the Gyeonggi region, 562,946 out of 11,715,343 eligible voters participated, recording a turnout of 4.81%. This is 1.69%p higher than the early voting turnout (3.12%) at 10 a.m. during the 20th presidential election.


welcome@fnnews.com Jang Yuha Reporter