Taiwan’s first wave of recall voting is scheduled for July 26th, as announced by the Central Election Commission (CEC). According to the Recall Election Law for Public Officials, those whose recall is confirmed on August 1st will be dismissed according to the law and will no longer be able to serve as legislators from that day onwards. The CEC advises the public to verify their polling locations before heading out to vote and to be aware of the procedures for the recall voting day.
The CEC held a press conference on the 24th, with Deputy Chairman Chen Chao-Jian stating that July 26th is the voting day for recalls, and August 1st is the announcement date for confirmations. Therefore, on August 1st, based on the law, the results of the recall vote will be officially confirmed. According to the Recall Election Law for Public Officials, if the recall is confirmed, the individual will be dismissed on the same day, and will no longer be able to serve as a legislator or exercise legislative duties.
In a press release, the CEC announced that the recall voting for the 11th Legislative Yuan and the 11th Mayor of Hsinchu City will take place on July 26th from 8 am to 4 pm. The CEC has provided a location search service on their website for voters to find their polling stations, detailed addresses, and Google Maps for directions. Voters are urged to go to their designated voting locations as indicated on their voting notices.
The CEC reminds voters to bring their national identification card, seal, and voting notice on the day of voting. They are advised to confirm the correct location of their polling station in advance. In addition to using the CEC’s website for inquiries, voters can also contact their local township or district offices to ensure their voting rights are upheld.
Furthermore, the CEC website in Taiwan also has a polling station search service for people to find detailed addresses and locate polling stations using Google Maps. The CEC reminds that election materials such as selection tools and ink pads for polling stations nationwide are procured and distributed by the municipal election commissions in accordance with the law. Voters are encouraged to use the selection tools provided by the election commission and not be swayed by misinformation regarding the election process.
The CEC also outlines prohibitions and restrictions to be observed on the day of the recall voting to avoid legal penalties for voters:
– Firstly, from the early morning of July 26th, engaging in recall activities on social media platforms like LINE, Facebook, or other media outlets is prohibited, with violators facing fines ranging from over 100,000 NT dollars to 1 million NT dollars. Political parties, candidates, their employees, agents, or users may face heavier fines from 200,000 NT dollars to 2 million NT dollars for repeated violations.
– Secondly, individuals are advised not to cause disturbances or attempt to influence others within a 30-meter radius of the polling station, with legal consequences including up to one year of imprisonment, detention, or a fine of up to 15,000 NT dollars for those who persist despite warnings from security personnel.
– Thirdly, voters should refrain from bringing mobile phones or other recording devices into the polling station, with penalties ranging from over 30,000 NT dollars to 300,000 NT dollars for violations. However, mobile devices with the power off are exempt from this restriction.
– Fourthly, tearing up recall ballots is strictly prohibited, with fines ranging from over 5,000 NT dollars to 50,000 NT dollars for violators.
– Lastly, taking recall ballots out of the polling station is illegal and punishable by up to one year of imprisonment, detention, or a fine of up to 15,000 NT dollars.