첫 투표권 행사 18세, 새내기 유권자가 변수<br /><br />This is South Korea's first general election in which 18-year-olds can vote.<br />At the end of last year, South Korea's National Assembly passed an electoral reform bill that lowered the voting age from 19.<br />Now, 18-year-olds are just a tiny percentage of the electorate, but it's a remarkable change because most of them are still in high school.<br />Kim Dami reports.<br />Giving youngsters a voice in the democratic process.<br />Eighteen-year-olds are casting ballots for the first time in South Korean history.<br />Those born on April 16th, 2002 or earlier can vote in the April 15th general elections.<br />"Eighteen-year-olds account for just over one percent of all voters. The absolute number is not that big, but they may emerge as a new variable this election as it’s the first time that high school students here will be able to vote."<br />"I'm concerned and nervous that I have to make a wise decision. But as a voter, I feel I'm officially a part of our community. For young voters as a whole it's a great opportunity to select the representatives who will work for our communities."<br />Young voters' political participation is also expected to bring extra youthfulness to local politics and boost younger generations' political clout in their communities.<br />"By reflecting younger generations' political ideals, we can secure justice between generations in this aging society with such a low birth rate. Young voters can and should strengthen their judgement skills and abilities through discussions including diverse perspectives."<br />To prevent the politicization of classrooms and to better guide young voters, the National Election Commission initially planned to visit and educate all high school voters ahead of the election.<br />However, with the COVID-19 crisis postponing the spring semester, local governments and schools turned to more accessible, approachable ways to teach young voters.<br />"We tried to make the learning process as simple as possible. Our videos have Q&As on proper election campaigning, things voters should keep in mind and a detailed outline of the voting process at polling stations."<br />To encourage teenage voters to participate in democracy in the midst of this pandemic, South Korea's education ministry also plans to share election materials on the National Election Committee website.<br />Kim Dami, Arirang News.<br />
