South Korea ballot shortage leaves up to 91 voters unable to cast votes

A review of CCTV footage from 22 of the 26 polling stations where voting was disrupted on June 3 shows that the number of voters who could not cast a ballot rose from an initial estimate of 44 to as many as 91. The shortage stemmed from an uneven allocation of ballot papers: pre‑vote stations received roughly twice the expected amount, while main‑vote stations were supplied with only about half of the projected need. In several locations, such as the Munjeong‑2 precinct, voters shouted in protest when the supply ran out, and poll officials could not immediately verify the exact count of missing ballots.

Lawmakers and the National Assembly's special investigation committee are now examining the incident. They criticize the election commission's decision‑making process, noting that the chief secretary‑general approved the paper‑distribution plan without board approval, and that warning emails sent after pre‑vote were not acted upon. Proposals include establishing an "independent audit committee" to oversee the election commission and ensure accountability, as well as reforms to prevent future ballot shortages.