Election observers checking the ballot box sealing process. [Photo=Yonhap News] 

Ahead of the June 3rd local elections, the Korea-US Joint Investigation Team for Election Fraud (led by attorney Park Joo-hyun) is producing and distributing an educational video for vote and count observers titled "Dark Battle, No Retreat: Special Operation to Eradicate Election Fraud." 

This video explains with examples what actions vote and count observers should take when encountering situations suspected of election fraud.

Raise Your Hand to Stop the Count and Take Pictures

In summary, ① if a suspicious situation arises, raise your hand and demand that the count be stopped by shouting, "I object." ② Immediately take a photo. Focus on capturing the entire screen, ensuring that text and numbers are clearly visible. ③ Report to 112 and record the call. ④ Absolutely prevent the National Election Commission from taking away the evidence when they try to do so. ⑤ Submit a written objection to have the ballot declared invalid. ⑥ Record the entire process on video. 

The video cites examples of election fraud, such as △the discovery of a large number of yellow ballots among in-district advance voting ballots at the Namdong-gu counting station in Incheon on March 9, 2022, the date of the 20th Presidential Election. Presidential and National Assembly election ballots should be white. Light beige ballots are for local council elections.

If such an incident occurs again, you must raise your hand and demand that the count be stopped by shouting, "I object," then take photos and report to 112. You must also protect the evidence to prevent it from disappearing and submit a written objection to have the ballot declared invalid. 

Ballot paper colors by election

Always Submit a Written Objection

Another example mentioned was △the discovery of abnormally long ballots in Gwangjin-gu B, Seoul, and Buk-gu, Daegu. Despite clear signs of election fraud, the National Election Commission at the time treated these as valid votes because the counting observers did not submit written objections. The video urges viewers to pay attention to this point. 

The video also listed numerous other examples of election fraud, including △stacks of new bills as ballots △ ballots with perforated edges △stamps that appear to be cut and pasted △unremoved serial numbers △QR codes instead of barcodes △thick, rough ballot papers instead of smooth ones △discrepancies between the number of ballots issued and the number of votes cast △ ballots with cut-off text, emphasizing the need for immediate action if such incidents occur. 

How President Yoon Was Elected Despite Election Fraud

The video also summarized in three points why President Yoon Suk-yeol was able to win the March 9th presidential election despite election fraud, underscoring the importance of election fraud monitoring. 

The first reason President Yoon was elected, despite widespread election fraud, was the apprehension of perpetrators of advance voting fraud. At the time, there was a report from a COVID-19 confirmed case at an advance voting site in Shinsa-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, stating that ballots already marked for Lee Jae-myung were found inside the envelope when they went to vote.

Upon this, attorney Park Joo-hyun rushed to the scene and began a YouTube live broadcast. This video exceeded 2.2 million views and became a national issue, giving rise to the term "basket voting."

Furthermore, the People Power Party visited the National Election Commission and demanded that advance voting boxes be counted before same-day voting boxes. Patriots, including the "Bugbangdae" (anti-election-fraud corps), held protests and rallies in front of the commission. As a result, advance voting boxes were brought in for counting first. Crucially, presidential candidate Ahn Cheol-soo conceded just before the advance voting, leading to a consolidation of candidates.

The second reason was the efforts of Bugbangdae, founded and led by former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn. As gatherings and assemblies were impossible due to COVID-19 during the March 9th presidential election, Bugbangdae provided online video lectures for vote and count observer training. Those who received 3-5 hours of training daily were able to reduce election fraud significantly through on-site observation and photography.

The third reason is that while election fraud occurred nationwide, normal voting took place in only eight constituencies in the Gyeongbuk region, centering around Pohang Nam-gu.

At the time, Gong Byeong-ho TV also published analytical data on this, showing almost no difference between the advance voting turnout and the same-day voting turnout. In other words, the "law of large numbers" was observed. Further research is needed on how election fraud was prevented in these areas. 

A brick ballot found at the counting station

A scene from the vote and count observer training video produced by the Korea-US Joint Investigation Team for Election Fraud ahead of the June 3rd local elections.

The Korea-US Joint Investigation Team for Election Fraud is distributing an educational video for vote and count observers ahead of the June 3rd local elections. 

The video encourages vote and count observers to maintain vigilance with "eagle eyes" in the upcoming June 3rd elections, with the resolve of "Amjeonmutoe" (暗戰無退), meaning never retreating in the battle fought in darkness. It also stressed the importance of all observers participating in the election mock test scheduled for the 2nd, the day before the election. 

Observers were urged to call the election commission to inquire about the location and time of the mock test and ensure their participation, even if they do not receive contact from the commission. They were also advised to check if seals are affixed to ballot issuance machines and ballot sorting machines during observation and to confirm that the seals are reattached after the test. 

A representative from the Korea-US Joint Investigation Team for Election Fraud, which produced the video, stated in a phone call with Hankook-Ilbo that "daytime election observers have important monitoring duties to ensure the integrity of the election." He added:

"Many of you have likely seen videos showing over 3,000 consecutive votes for Lee Jae-myung. There are definite ways to prevent the insertion of abnormal ballots found at counting stations, such as bundled ballots referred to as 'new bill stacks' or 'brick ballots,' and stacks of stiff ballots with serial numbers. Please remember the following:

First. Before voting begins, ask for and record the serial numbers (start and end numbers) of the ballot papers.

Second. Count the number of voters. This is most accurate when counting them as they are placed into the ballot box. Record this by making tally marks (正) on paper or using a hand tally counter.

Third. Every hour, ask the election supervisor for the serial number of ballots to be issued and record it for comparison. Subtracting the start number from the serial number to be issued will give the number of voters to date.

Fourth. Record the serial number of any remaining ballot papers at the end of the voting period.

Fifth. Send the recorded information along with photos to the reporting reception for the Korea-US Joint Investigation Team for Election Fraud (via QR code).

Sixth. For matters requiring security, please send them to election-fraud@freeinno.kr.

▲ Reporting Example

Seoul Jung-gu Jangchung-dong, 2nd Polling Station: Ballot serial number start 00300, end 01300, quantity 1000 sheets

By 7:00 AM: Serial number 00337 / Number of voters 37 / Difference 0

By 8:00 AM: Serial number 00378 / Number of voters 77 / Difference 1

We ask for the participation of many patriotic citizens to protect our precious sovereignty."

Reporter Lim Yo-hee