Hong Kong in new push to get young people to register as voters

2026.03.16 12:50 Residents leave a polling station after voting in December’s Legco election. Photo: Jonathan Wong Young people can opt to make self-declarations to be exempted from producing proof of address to register as electors under a new Hong Kong government drive to boost voter numbers, lawmakers have been told. A commissioner for oaths will be stationed at each Immigration Department registration of persons office, where young people replace their juvenile identity cards with adult ones upon turning 18. The initiative was outlined as officials presented the 2026 voter registration campaign at Monday’s meeting of the Legislative Council’s constitutional affairs panel. The first stage of the campaign would run from late April to early June, encouraging eligible residents to apply for new registration, the panel heard. Clement Woo Kin-man, acting secretary for constitutional and mainland affairs, said the government attached great importance to encouraging young people to register as electors and to vote in elections. “Some young people may want to register, but very often they do not have any address proof,” he said. “We have to appreciate that. They are only 18 years old and it is not surprising that they do not have name-bearing proof of residential address, such as water or electricity bills. “So we will have a commissioner for oaths at Immigration Department offices to administer their affirmations. We hope to make it more convenient for young people and facilitate their registration. “Of course, we will cross-check the information afterwards to make sure the addresses they provide are accurate.” In general, a permanent resident who ordinarily lives in Hong Kong is eligible to register as a voter upon reaching the age of 18. Proof of address is required to support the application. Under the campaign, various government units will also maintain contact with support groups for new immigrants, imported talent and quality migrants to encourage registration on

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