Voting Rights for Overseas Citizens Granted

Overseas Citizens Are Entitled to Vote
As the National Assembly approved a revised bill for Public Official Election Act on Feb 5, 2009,
overseas citizens over 19 years of age are entitled to participate in the presidential election and
the general election of National Assembly members. Overseas citizens are defined as Korean
citizens in foreign countries who are permanent residents or short-term visitors.

Types of Elections for Overseas Citizens

A.Permanent residents in foreign countries :
ㆍ Presidential election
ㆍ Election of National Assembly Members (for proportional representation only)

B.Short-term visitors and permanent residents in foreign countries who have reported domestic
residence in Korea :
ㆍ When voting in Korea : all elections for public offices
ㆍ When voting from overseas :
- Presidential election
- Election of National Assembly members (for proportional and local constituency representation)

Eligibility for Public Offices
According to the revised bill, overseas citizens who have reported domestic residence may run
for public offices when the necessary qualifications are met.

Requirements for overseas voting
In order to vote from overseas, short-term visitors and overseas citizens who have reported
domestic residence are required to report as overseas absentee voters. Other overseas citizens
are required to send in an application for registration as overseas voters.
cf. In case of domestic voting, heads of Gu/Si/Gun local governments make voters’ list for
overseas citizens under their authorities.