SEOUL — The starting gun for the June 3 nationwide local elections is set to fire tomorrow, February 3, as the registration for preliminary candidates for provincial governors, metropolitan mayors, and superintendents of education officially opens. This marks the beginning of a grueling 120-day sprint toward one of the most significant democratic exercises in the country.

According to the National Election Commission (NEC) on Monday, aspiring leaders must meet the age requirement of 18 or older (born on or before June 4, 2008) and deposit 10 million won—one-fifth of the total candidate deposit—to their respective regional election commissions to secure their preliminary status.

The "Pre-Game" of Electioneering
While registration is optional, it offers a critical advantage. Registered preliminary candidates are granted a "license" to conduct limited campaign activities before the official period begins in late May. These perks include:

Establishing campaign offices and hanging authorized banners.
Distributing business cards and wearing campaign sashes.
Mass communication: Sending automated text messages and using professional email services for outreach.
Fundraising: Preliminary candidates can establish support groups and collect donations up to 50% of the total election expenditure limit.

Stricter Rules and Deadlines
The onset of the registration period also triggers several restrictions. From February 3, unauthorized advertisements, placards, or the sale of mascots representing specific candidates are strictly prohibited to ensure a level playing field.

For public officials eyeing a seat, the clock is ticking. Under the Public Official Election Act, they must resign from their current posts by March 5 (90 days before the election). However, sitting governors and education superintendents are exempt from this rule and can register while maintaining their current roles.

Expanding the Race
The political heat will intensify throughout February and March as other tiers of local government follow suit:

February 20: Registration opens for provincial/city council members and municipal mayors (Gu-cheong-jang).
March 22: Registration begins for county governors (Gun-su) and county council members.
The final official candidate registration will take place over two days starting May 14. The "grand finale"—the official 13-day campaign period—will run from May 21 until the eve of the election.

 
Contextual Addition: Why the 2026 Local Election Matters
Beyond the provided report, political analysts suggest that the 2026 local elections will serve as a mid-term evaluation for the current administration.

The "Youth Vote" Impact: With the voting age maintained at 18, parties are expected to ramp up digital campaigning, focusing on housing and job security to capture the Gen Z demographic.
Technological Integration: For the first time, the NEC is expected to deploy advanced AI-monitoring systems to detect "Deepfake" campaign materials, which have become a global concern for election integrity in 2026.
Local Autonomy: This election is seen as a turning point for "Regional Era" policies, with candidates expected to clash over decentralization and the revitalization of shrinking rural populations.

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