Election commission widens ID options for public information requests

The National Election Commission revised its rules on access to public information, allowing mobile resident registration cards as proof of identity and permitting copies rather than originals when a representative files a request on someone's behalf.

The change to Article 15, Paragraph 2 widens what counts as an identity document and lets the commission verify both the requester and the agency relationship from a copy when an authorized representative seeks disclosure.

The commission said it made the change to align its internal rules with amendments to the enforcement decree and enforcement rules of the Act on Access to Information Held by Public Institutions, part of an effort to keep application of the law consistent across information-disclosure work and to fill gaps in the current rules.

Beyond identity checks, the revision overhauls the forms attached to the rules. A decision notice on an objection will now include guidance on filing an administrative appeal or administrative litigation, and the public information request form will carry a QR code linking to the information disclosure system.

Fee rules were also clarified. The annex now covers conversion into electronic files and states that fees of less than 100 won are not charged, making the calculation standards explicit.

Requests for public information submitted before the effective date remain subject to the previous rules, the commission said.