Moon encourages people to cast ballots as early voting begins

President Moon Jae-in and first lady Kim Jung-sook cast their ballots, March 4, as Korea began two days of early voting for next week's presidential election. Yonhap

President Moon Jae-in encouraged people Friday to cast their ballots as early voting for next week's presidential election began.

"As the leader of a democratic republic, I hope all people will participate in exercising their sacred voting rights," Moon said in a message posted on social media.

The presidential election comes as the nation is grappling with the worst wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by the highly transmissible Omicron variant of the coronavirus

Early voting is open to anyone who wishes to cast their ballot before Election Day next Wednesday.

Moon said those infected with the virus can also cast their ballots.

Polling stations open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. COVID-19 patients and those in quarantine will be able to vote if they arrive at a polling station between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday. (Yonhap)