in “voters who cannot vote by themselves” regarding the voting assistance, and to provide voting assistance.193) In response, the NEC changed the manual to allow voters who wish to receive voting assistance because they cannot vote alone, regardless of whether or not they are registered with a disability and the type of disability. However, it was repeatedly asserted that there were cases in which the polling station workers, who were not familiar with the type of disability, refused voting assistance unless they had apparent disabilities, such as eyesight.194) In the National Assembly, a bill to partially amend the Public Official Election Act195) has been proposed and is pending, including adding the persons with developmental disabilities to the list of voters eligible to obtain voting assistance, preparing and providing election notices and voting guides that are easy to understand, and allowing easy identification of candidates and political party by including photos of the candidates and the political party symbol to the ballot. In Jan. 2022, human rights groups for the persons with disabilities filed a discrimination relief lawsuit against the state, demanding that the persons with developmental disabilities be provided with easy-to-understand election materials and picture ballots. B) No System to Protect the Right to Vote of the Persons with Developmental Disabilities and Controversy The right to vote has the power to express political opinions freely and bring about policy changes through various methods, and is a right to be protected for the broad freedom of political activities. Moreover, it is a fundamental right that any citizen can exercise, and the persons with disabilities are no exception. However, Article 157(6) of the Public Official Election Act stipulates that “a voter who is unable to record his or her vote for him/herself due to a visual or physical impairment may be accompanied by his/her family or two persons nominated by him or her to assist in his or her voting.” Voting assistance for the persons with developmental disabilities is not explicitly stipulated. 193) Seoul Central District Court, Decided on Feb. 10, 2022, 2021KaHap21948 194) Be Minor, “No Suffrage for the Persons with Disabilities? Voting Assistance Blocked at Local Elections, Complaint to the Human Rights Commission,” Jul. 22, 2022. 195) Co-sponsored by Rep. Lee, Eun-ju and 10 Others, Bill No. 2112977. 80