While every vote counts, Wednesday was an especially meaningful day for young voters who were participating in a national election for the first time, as well as some immigrants who moved to Korea to start a new life. Lee Hee-jung reports.
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Polling station 6, Jocheon-eup

The 20th legislative elections began in poor weather on April 13th. But that didn’t stop voters from participating in the elections.

Kim Seo-eun (김서은), who turned 19 this year, arrived at the polling station with her mother early in the morning.

This young lady stands alone amongst older voters, but this doesn’t seem to bother her. Rather than feeling out of place, Seo-eun is excited about exercising her right to vote for the first time, knowing that it will make a difference.

[Interview]
Kim Seo-eun / First-time voter
As a Korean citizen, this is my first time voting. It means a great deal to me. I hope that the candidate I voted for will work hard to be a positive influence on our society.
<인터뷰 : 김서은 / 만 19세 생애 첫 투표자>
"대한민국 국민으로서 처음 정치에 참여했는 정말 뿌듯한 시간이었고, 제가 투표한 분이 잘 돼서 정치에 좋은 영향을 끼쳐서 좋은 사회가 됐으면.."

Choi Irina (최이리나) moved from Uzbekistan to Jeju after her marriage 11 years ago. Now a Korean citizen, this is her first time to participate in an election.

Her vote calls attention to migrant women and the betterment of welfare for multicultural families.

[Interview]
Choi Irina / Voter
This is my first time voting after becoming a Korean citizen. It is now a global generation. I hope migrants like myself will continue to receive support and love.
<인터뷰 : 최이리나 / 결혼이주여성>
“귀화하고 나서 저의 첫 번째 투표고요. 요즘은 글로벌 시대라서 (새로운 국회의원이) 우리같은 결혼이주여성을 많이 사랑해주고 많은 도움을 주셨으면.."

Anyone can vote. Even physical disabilities are not an obstacle. Though it is a bit strenuous for Lee Eung-beom (이응범), he arrives at the voting station in his wheelchair.

He leaves the booth with hope that an effective candidate will be elected.

[Interview]
Lee Eung-beom / Voter
The facilities here made it easy for me to exercise my vote. I hope that the candidates will carry out their strategies and make policies dedicated to the people.
<인터뷰 : 이응범 / 지체장애 1급>
"이 곳은 투표환경이 잘 조성돼 있어서 투표하는데 큰 무리는 없었고요.바램이라면 후보자들이 발표한 공약이 꼭 실천되고 국민을 위한 정치를 했으면.."

[camera]
Ko Moon-su

[Reporter]
Lee Hee-jung

Each voter was a different age and brought different life stories, but they all have a common purpose. They hope that their candidate will be elected and work hard for the people in the coming four years.

Lee Hee-jung KCTV