Aeon wants voting booths in malls

Aeon Co., the nation's largest retail chain, has proposed setting up national and local voting stations in its malls to draw more customers.

The government is positive about the idea because it could help increase voter turnout, according to officials at the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry, which received the offer Tuesday.

The ministry will tell local governments that polling stations can be set up in shopping centers and other commercial facilities under certain conditions, the officials said.

Voting stations are usually set up in public schools or halls, but the government released a written opinion in early November stating that polling stations can be set up in shopping centers if the design of the facility ensures confidentiality and fair voting.