Korean Society Needs Compulsory

Voting
“Democracy is not a spectator sport.”
-Marian Wright Edelman, civil rights activist

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Korean Politicians
... are not cool

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What is Mandatory Voting?

▶ A system that requires citizens to participate in elections by casting a ballot

▶ Sees voting as people’s responsibility and duty to society

▶ AKA compulsory voting

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Compulsory Voting: A Misnomer

▶ “Compulsory attendance at the polling place”

▶ “Compulsory turnout”

▶ “Legal obligation to participate in elections”

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The Penalty

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Why Mandatory Voting?

PERSONAL INTEREST PUBLIC

INTEREST

PUBLIC RIGHT PUBLIC

DUTY

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 #1

Encourages voters to do their civic

duty

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 #2

Enhances the legitimacy of democracy

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 #3

Ensures political equality

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 #4

Educates and informs the general public

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 #5

Educates and informs the general public

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 #6

Increases voter turnout

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The “Watermelon” Controversy

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Voter Turnout Trend in Korea
80

75

70

65

60

55

50

45
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Presidential National assembly Local

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Source: National Election Commission of the Republic of Korea
Voter Turnout Trend in Korea
80

75

70

65
Increasing trend since 2006
60

55

50

45
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Presidential National assembly Local

16
Source: National Election Commission of the Republic of Korea
Voter Turnout Trend in Korea
80

75
Sudden decline ?!
70

65

60

55

50

45
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Presidential National assembly Local

17
Source: National Election Commission of the Republic of Korea
Closing Remarks

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Thank you!