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The following is issued on behalf of the Electoral Affairs Commission:
The Chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission, Mr Justice Pang Kin-kee, today (November 14) reminded electors to follow the proper procedures when voting at the District Council Election on Sunday (November 18). Mr Justice Pang's reminder came after he visited a mock polling station at the Kowloon Park Sports Centre this afternoon.
"Voting is simple. Just bring along your Hong Kong Identity Card to your designated polling station. You will be given a chop bearing a 'tick' to mark the ballot paper," Mr Justice Pang said.
"All you have to do is to stamp a 'tick' in the circle next to the name of your chosen candidate on the ballot paper with the chop provided and fold the ballot paper once to conceal the marking before putting it into the ballot box," he said.
"Do not use a pen or other means to mark or correct the mark made on the ballot paper or else it will be treated as invalid. If an elector makes any mistake in marking the ballot paper, they should return it to the Presiding Officer and ask for a replacement ballot paper."
The mock polling station is one of four open for all electors to familiarise themselves with the voting procedures. The other three are at Leighton Hill Community Hall, Tai Po Community Centre and Tuen Mun Town Hall.
The mock polling stations will be open to the public from noon to 8pm tomorrow, Friday and Saturday (November 15-17).
"We are making this special arrangement for the public to see in advance the facilities in a polling station and the re-designed ballot papers. It is our duty to ensure the electoral arrangements are open and transparent," Mr Justice Pang said.
Staff of the Registration and Electoral Office will brief the visitors on how to vote.
To protect the secrecy of votes, Mr Justice Pang reminded electors not to use mobile phones or pagers, take photographs, do filming and video or audio recording inside the polling stations. He said these were offences punishable by fines and imprisonment.
"Distribution of election advertisements and display of propaganda material, such as any badge, emblem, clothing or head-dress, in the polling stations is also prohibited," he said. Offenders will be subject to fines and imprisonment.
A total of 866 candidates will be competing for 364 seats on polling day when 488 polling stations across Hong Kong will be open from 7.30am to 10.30pm for 2.96 million registered electors in the contested constituencies to cast their votes.
Electors may call the election hotline on 2891 1001 for enquiries, and 2827 7251 if they have any complaints.
Ends/Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:48
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