In this unified local election, "symbolic voting," in which the candidate's name is circled instead of writing the candidate's name, will be held in some elections, such as the gubernatorial elections in Shimane and Oita prefectures.
Some people with disabilities have said that it is difficult to write the name of the candidate themselves when voting, and they want symbolic voting to be expanded, and the issue is how to create an environment where anyone can easily vote.
"Symbolic voting," in which a candidate's name is marked with a circle or other mark on a pre-printed ballot instead of writing the candidate's name on the ballot, is not allowed in national elections, but in local elections, each municipality can do so by establishing an ordinance.
On the 9th of the first half of the unified local elections, the gubernatorial election in Shimane Prefecture and the gubernatorial election in Oita Prefecture will be held, and on the second half of the election on the 23rd, voting on the day of the election will be symbolically voted in some elections, such as the Mutsu mayoral election in Aomori Prefecture and the Kasuga mayoral election in Fukuoka Prefecture.
The sample ballot for the Shimane gubernatorial election has the names of the three candidates written on the left side of the form, and a column for writing circles on it.
However, even in these elections, symbolic voting is limited to Election Day, and in early voting, where voting begins the day after the announcement of the candidate, you are required to write your name and vote.
According to data compiled by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications as of December last year, symbolic voting has been introduced in five prefectures in addition to Shimane and Oita, Aomori, Iwate, and Kumamoto.
Elections for mayors have been introduced in 1741 municipalities, or 12.3% of the 214,<> municipalities nationwide.
On the other hand, it has been introduced in 31 municipalities in elections to select prefectural and municipal councilors, but it is used on a limited basis, such as in by-elections where the number of candidates is expected to be small.
Some people with disabilities have difficulty writing the candidate's name on their own, such as "I can't use my hands freely" or "I can't write letters in a small entry field."
Katsunori Fujii, president of the NPO Japan Council for Persons with Disabilities, said, "Many people with disabilities cannot write by themselves, but the current voting system is based on 'self-writing' that you write yourself.
Election for everyone
Useful election information for people who have been unable to go to vote due to disabilities or who have had difficulty getting to the polls