Central Election Commission (CEC) chair Lee Chin-yung said his organization is researching ways for people in quarantine to vote in the upcoming elections. Lee was speaking at the legislature on Wednesday. Taiwan is scheduled to hold elections for city and county leaders on November 26.
During Lee’s report, DPP legislator Lo Mei-ling said South Korea modified election laws to allow people with COVID-19 and those in quarantine to vote in the country’s recent presidential elections. She asked Lee if Taiwan would do the same.
Lee said that Taiwan currently does not allow absentee voting. He said implementing an absentee ballot system requires changing the law. To get around this, Lee said the best option is to set up specific voting locations and times for people in quarantine to cast their ballots. As an example, Lee said that people in quarantine who test negative for COVID-19 could be allowed into polling precincts between 4 PM and 5 PM to cast their votes on election day.
Lee said he would discuss the plan with health authorities to ensure public safety, while guaranteeing people their right to vote.