Electors can only vote for one candidate in District Council geographical constituency election

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The Registration and Electoral Office (REO) said today (November 30) that there was a recent appeal on the Internet urging electors to stamp two ticks on their ballot papers when casting votes for the District Council geographical constituency (DCGC) in the District Council Ordinary Election on December 10, thereby rendering the ballot papers invalid. The REO reiterates that, it is clearly stipulated in the relevant electoral legislation that when electors cast their votes, they can only stamp one tick in the designated circle opposite the name of the relevant candidate using the chop provided at the polling station. As such, the choice of candidate for which electors have voted is clearly indicated. Each elector can only stamp one tick on the ballot paper for one candidate of their choice (i.e. there can only be one tick marked on the ballot paper) or the ballot paper will be deemed as invalid.

To enable electors to have a better understanding of the polling procedures and the relevant points they should note, the REO has clearly set out the relevant information on the election website (www.elections.gov.hk) and publicised it on television, radio and online platforms. Electors are also reminded of the relevant polling procedures in the poll cards that have been mailed recently and will be subsequently received by them. On the polling day, when distributing ballot papers, the polling staff will remind DCGC electors again that they can only vote for one candidate (i.e. only one tick to be marked on the ballot paper). To ensure that the election runs smoothly and that electors can vote for the candidate they prefer and trust, the REO once again calls on electors to pay attention to the relevant polling requirements and points to note, including casting their votes at the designated polling station, polling hours and the need to bring their identity card to vote.

Lastly, the REO reiterated that according to the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance, it is an offence to engage in illegal conduct of inciting another person not to vote, or to cast invalid vote, by activity in public during election period. Upon conviction, the offence warrants a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment and a fine of $200,000.

Ends/Thursday, November 30, 2023
Issued at HKT 14:12

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