Do not incite spoiled ballots, govt warns

The Registration and Electoral Office said on Thursday that they have noticed recent appeals on the internet urging District Council voters to stamp two ticks on their ballot papers when casting their votes, adding that actions inciting others to cast invalid votes are illegal.

The Office reminded voters that when voting for the District Council geographical constituency, they can only stamp one tick on the ballot paper in the designated circle opposite the name of the relevant candidate using the chop provided at the polling station. 

Voters are also reminded of the relevant polling procedures in the poll cards that have recently been mailed to them.

The Office warned 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 an invalid vote, by activity in public during the election period. Upon conviction, the offence warrants a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment and a fine of HK$200,000.