When Does the Presidential Election Campaign Period Start and End?
The campaign period for the presidential election is a critical timeframe that dictates when candidates can officially promote their candidacies through various means such as posters, rallies, and media advertisements. Knowing the exact start and end dates is essential for both candidates and voters.
Official Campaign Period for the 2025 Presidential Election
According to the Public Official Election Act, the official campaign period for a presidential election is defined as “from 22 days before the election day to the day before the election.” For the 2025 presidential election, the election day is set for June 3, a Tuesday. Therefore, the campaign period will run from May 12 (Monday) at 00:00 hours to June 2 (Monday) at 24:00 hours, totaling 22 days.
What Campaign Activities Are Permitted?
Starting from May 12, candidates can engage in a variety of activities, including:
- Street campaigns involving direct voter interaction through placards and greetings.
- Use of campaign vehicles equipped with loudspeakers.
- Distribution of campaign materials and installation of banners.
- Online campaigns via social media platforms and blogs.
- Publication of promotional content on YouTube and other digital channels.
All activities must be conducted within the official period and after candidate registration. Any resemblance to campaign activities outside this period could result in legal penalties under the Public Official Election Act.
Poster and Pamphlet Distribution Dates
From May 17 (Saturday), election posters will be displayed across various neighborhoods. The number of posters is allocated based on the population of each district. Damaging these posters is a violation of Article 240 of the Public Official Election Act, punishable by up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 4 million KRW.
Additionally, printed election pamphlets will be mailed to each household starting May 20 (Tuesday).
Early Voting Schedule
The early voting period is set for May 29 (Thursday) and May 30 (Friday). Voters can cast their ballots at any polling station nationwide during this period from 6 AM to 6 PM. With early voting on weekdays, many working individuals may choose to vote during lunch breaks or after work.
Main Voting Day
The official election day is June 3 (Tuesday), with polling stations open from 6 AM to 8 PM. The extension of voting hours from the previous closing time of 6 PM to 8 PM aims to increase voter participation.
Legal Implications of Premature Electioneering
Engaging in campaign-like activities before the official period is strictly prohibited. This includes distributing business cards, campaign materials, or operating campaign vehicles. Online endorsements, public recommendations, and election-related advertisements outside the official period are also considered illegal.
Conclusion
The presidential election is not merely about casting a vote; it is one of the most significant decisions impacting our lives. Understanding the official campaign period is a crucial step toward maintaining fair election practices and legal compliance. As the election approaches, pay close attention to how candidates communicate with voters and the messages they convey.
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This blog post provides a comprehensive overview of the 2025 Presidential Election campaign period, detailing the dates and legal considerations for candidates and voters. Understanding these elements is vital for participating in a fair and lawful electoral process.