총선 첫날 사전투표율 오전 11시 현재 3.72%…동시간대 역대 최고치

South Korea has opened its early voting period for the April 15th general elections.
Eligible voters can visit their local polling stations from 6 AM to 6 PM on Friday and Saturday.
There are a lot of changes this year due to the concerns over the spread of COVID-19.
For more we have our Kim Mok-yeon at Seoul Station.
Mok-yeon, we are just over six hours into early voting, how are things looking there?
Well Mark, since the voting first began, and I've seen more than 700 people line up here to cast their ballots.
Though this year's elections come at a sensitive time when the public is observing social distancing due to the coronavirus, the voter turnout as of 11AM has been counted to be 3.72 percent, which is the highest percentage recorded for that same time period in the past early voting sessions.
Citizens say it's even more important to claim their right to vote at this difficult time.
"I think overcoming this difficult time by coming to the polling stations and voting shows the power of the citizens and the power of our votes. I hope many people can come and cast their ballots to create a greater country."
"I think its meaningful to come and vote as a citizen. Since many people are experiencing hardships at this time, I came by from work with hopes of creating a better country for our citizens."
With more than one fifth of the total voting population having cast their votes during the past two major elections, the NEC says the total turnout could still be high despite the outbreak.
We are experiencing a time like no other because of the coronavirus.
What precautionary measures are in place to keep voters safe?
The National Election Commission has been disinfecting all polling stations nationwide since Thursday to reduce the risk of infection.
Upon entering the polling station, my temperature was checked and I was asked to spray disinfectant on my hands and wear a mask and gloves.
Authorities are sanitizing the polling stations regularly... and people waiting in line to vote must stand at least a meter apart.
Voters whose temperature tops 37.5 degrees Celsius, or show symptoms of a respiratory illness, will be guided toward separate polling stations to avoid contact with other people.
The Commission has also set up special polling stations for voters who've been diagnosed with COVID-19.
"We will make sure to sanitize and quarantine all polling stations. COVID-19 patients who pre-registered can vote at their respective hospitals and medical centers.
Those who are under quarantine at medical centers and weren't able to register can cast their ballots at special early polling stations."
A total of 8 special early polling stations are operating in treatment centers across the nation: one each in Seoul, Gyeonggi-do Province and Daegu and five in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.
The NEC says it is still in the process of deciding how to allow patients who are self-quarantined to cast their votes, adding that the