Key Facts
• July 18, 2025, 3-4 PM: Incident occurred at Hiroshima’s Kure City Hall.
• Elderly man allegedly interfered with a woman’s voting process.
• Woman, in a wheelchair, appeared unable to write on her own.
• Man forcefully filled out candidate and party names on her ballot.
• Both individuals were aged 60-70; their relationship remains unknown.
• Election officials warned the man and informed him of proxy voting options.
• Police were notified due to potential violation of election laws.
• Votes cast are expected to be valid as they cannot be identified.
• Incident highlights risks of voter interference under Japan’s Public Offices Election Act.
Summary
A suspected voter fraud incident occurred at a Hiroshima early voting site on July 18, 2025. An elderly man allegedly interfered with a woman’s voting process, forcefully filling out her ballot despite warnings from election officials. The woman, who appeared unable to write and used a wheelchair, was informed of proxy voting options, but the man proceeded to submit the ballot. Both individuals, aged 60-70, have an unclear relationship. The Kure City Election Commission reported the case to the police, citing potential violations of Japan’s Public Offices Election Act. However, the votes are expected to remain valid as they cannot be identified. Authorities have issued warnings to election managers to prevent similar incidents.
