Violations of Election Laws Reported in Taiwan’s Presidential and Legislative Elections, Prompting Local Government Action

Taipei, Taiwan – Several voters have been accused of breaking election laws during Taiwan’s presidential and legislative elections, according to local government election officials. In New Taipei, the largest city in the country, there were numerous reported violations at polling stations across the municipality. One female voter in Xizhi District tore up her legislator ballot because it did not include her preferred candidates. In Shulin District, a man was caught taking a picture of his blank ballot with his mobile phone, while in Yonghe District, a male voter was found talking on his phone inside the polling station. These actions go against Taiwan’s election laws and can result in fines.

In Taoyuan’s Pingzhen District, a woman tore up her presidential ballot, claiming that it had ink stains. However, this excuse did not excuse her behavior as she was caught in the act. Another woman in the same district was caught taking pictures of her ballot sheets inside the voting booth, stating that she wanted to send the photos to her son. These actions not only breach election laws but also compromise the integrity of the voting process.

Further violations were reported in Tainan, where a male voter in Annan District was seen talking on his mobile phone inside a polling station. In Kaohsiung’s Fongshan District, a young girl accidentally tore up her mother’s ballot. It is important to note that Taiwan’s election laws allow parents to bring children under the age of 6 into polling stations. Another woman in Kaohsiung damaged her ballot by tearing off the photo of the candidate she wanted to vote for. She claimed to be unfamiliar with Taiwan’s election laws due to being born in China.

The penalties for intentionally destroying ballot papers in Taiwan can range from fines of NT$5,000 to NT$50,000. Additionally, bringing mobile phones or photography equipment into a polling station can result in fines of NT$30,000 to NT$300,000. Displaying a ballot after casting a vote is also prohibited and may lead to a penalty of two years in prison or a fine of up to NT$200,000. The consequences for the individuals involved in these violations will be determined by the respective local government election committees.

Authorities have emphasized that all violators have been warned and reported to the relevant authorities. It is crucial that citizens respect and abide by election laws to uphold the integrity of the democratic process in Taiwan.