Low voter turnout expected in the July 30 by-elections

Voter turnout is in the center of attention in the run-up to the July 30 by-elections. Many expect voter turnout to be low due to many distractions.

The by-election day is not a public holiday. On top of that, the day falls on the beginning of a summer vacation season, which is a challenge to encourage people to vote. Moreover, it has been only about one month since the June 4 local elections, and this would lead to a voter fatigue.

For such reasons, some in the political circle say that voter turnout could be as low as that of the August 8 by-elections in 2002. The 2002 by-elections had the lowest voter turnout in Korean history as they were held right after local elections and the World Cup. Back then, the turnout of the by-election in Haeundae-Gijang A in Busan was 18.8 percent.

By-elections held in summer showed mostly low turnout. The turnout was 24.8 percent in the July 26 by-elections in 2006, and 23.3 percent in the June 4 by-elections in 2008.