As a Hong Kong citizen living abroad, you may be wondering how you can participate in the upcoming Hong Kong elections. The good news is that you can register as an overseas voter and have your say in the democratic process.
In this guide, we’ll be sharing with you the steps you need to take to register as an overseas voter and cast your vote in the Hong Kong elections. Let’s get started!
Eligibility Criteria
Basic Requirements
To be eligible to vote in the Hong Kong elections, you must meet the following basic requirements:
- You must be a Hong Kong citizen
- You must be at least 18 years old on or before the election day
- You must not have been convicted of any corrupt or illegal conduct related to an election
Special Requirements for Overseas Residents
If you are an overseas Hong Kong resident, you must meet the following additional eligibility criteria:
- You must have been a registered voter in Hong Kong before leaving the city
- You must have lived in Hong Kong for at least seven years before leaving the city, or you must have been born in Hong Kong and have a parent who meets this requirement
- You must not have acquired any right of abode or right to land in any foreign country
- You must not have registered as an overseas voter in any other country or territory
If you meet these requirements, you are eligible to register as an overseas voter and participate in the Hong Kong elections.
The Application Process
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Necessary Documents
To register as an overseas voter in the Hong Kong elections, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A valid Hong Kong permanent identity card or a valid Hong Kong SAR passport
- Proof of overseas residence, such as a utility bill or a bank statement
Make sure that these documents are up-to-date and valid before submitting your application.
Application Form
You can find the application form for overseas voter registration on the website of the Registration and Electoral Office (REO) of Hong Kong. The form is available in both English and Chinese, so make sure to choose the language that you are most comfortable with.
When filling out the application form, be sure to provide accurate and complete information. Any errors or omissions may delay the processing of your application.
Submission
Once you have completed the application form and gathered the necessary documents, you can submit your application to the REO by mail or in person. If you choose to submit your application by mail, make sure to send it to the correct address and allow enough time for delivery.
If you prefer to submit your application in person, you can do so at the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) nearest to your place of residence. The HKETO will forward your application to the REO for processing.
Confirmation and Follow-up
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation notice from the REO within 21 days. This notice will confirm that your application has been received and is being processed.
If your application is approved, you will receive a notification from the REO with instructions on how to cast your vote in the Hong Kong elections. If your application is not approved, you will receive a notice explaining the reason for the rejection.
If you have any questions or concerns about your application, you can contact the REO for assistance.
Deadlines
Application Deadline
If you’re planning to register as an overseas voter for the upcoming Hong Kong elections, it’s important to note the application deadline. Eligible residents and registered electors can submit their “Application for New Registration / Report on Change of Particulars by an Elector in a Geographical Constituency” (REO-GC) at any time of the year. However, if you want your registration processed or your particulars updated in the register of electors to be published in the same cycle, you must submit your application forms to the relevant office on or before the statutory deadlines. For new voter registration and reports on change of particulars by an elector, the deadline is June 2nd.
Other Important Dates
Apart from the application deadline, there are other crucial dates to keep in mind. The electoral roll is finalized on July 2nd, which means that any changes made to your registration after this date will not be reflected in the electoral roll for the upcoming elections. Additionally, ballots are typically sent out to overseas voters around two weeks before the election day. It’s important to keep these dates in mind to ensure that you’re able to participate in the Hong Kong elections as an overseas voter.
Another important date to keep in mind is when ballots are sent out. For overseas voters, ballots are typically sent out around two weeks before the election date. It’s important to make sure that you have provided the correct mailing address when registering as an overseas voter to ensure that you receive your ballot in a timely manner.
Voting Methods
Postal Voting
One of the most common ways for overseas voters to cast their vote in the Hong Kong elections is through postal voting. To do this, you will need to apply for a postal vote by filling out the relevant form and submitting it to the Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) before the deadline. Once your application is approved, you will receive a ballot paper in the mail, which you can fill out and return to the EAC by post.
It’s important to note that postal voting can take longer than other methods, so it’s recommended that you apply for a postal vote as early as possible to ensure that your vote is counted.
Proxy Voting
If you are unable to vote in person or by post, you can also assign a proxy to vote on your behalf in Hong Kong. To do this, you will need to fill out a proxy form and submit it to the EAC before the deadline. Your proxy will then be able to cast your vote at a polling station in Hong Kong on election day.
It’s important to choose a trustworthy proxy who will vote according to your wishes and to ensure that they are able to attend a polling station in Hong Kong on election day.
Voting in Person
If you happen to be in Hong Kong on election day, you may be able to vote in person at a polling station. However, it’s important to note that you will need to be registered as an overseas voter and have applied for a Certificate of Absentee Registration before the deadline in order to do so.
If you are eligible to vote in person, you will need to bring your Certificate of Absentee Registration and a valid form of identification to the polling station on election day. You will then be able to cast your vote in the same way as any other registered voter in Hong Kong.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible to register as an overseas voter in the Hong Kong elections?
Hong Kong permanent residents who are living abroad and have not given up their right of abode in Hong Kong are eligible to register as overseas voters.
2. How can I register as an overseas voter?
You can register as an overseas voter by filling out the relevant form and submitting it to the Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) before the deadline.
3. What is the deadline for registering as an overseas voter?
The deadline for registering as an overseas voter varies depending on the election. You should check the EAC website for the latest information.
4. Can I register as an overseas voter if I am already registered to vote in Hong Kong?
No, you cannot register as an overseas voter if you are already registered to vote in Hong Kong.
5. Can I vote in both the geographical and functional constituencies as an overseas voter?
Yes, you can vote in both the geographical and functional constituencies as an overseas voter.
6. How can I cast my vote as an overseas voter?
You can cast your vote as an overseas voter through postal voting, proxy voting, or in person if you are in Hong Kong on election day.
7. What is a Certificate of Absentee Registration?
A Certificate of Absentee Registration is a document that confirms your registration as an overseas voter and allows you to vote in person at a polling station in Hong Kong on election day.
8. Can I change my voting method after I have registered as an overseas voter?
Yes, you can change your voting method by submitting a new application to the EAC before the deadline. However, you should note that changing your voting method may affect the deadline for submitting your vote.
Summary
In conclusion, as a Hong Kong citizen living abroad, you have the right to participate in the democratic process by registering as an overseas voter and casting your vote in the Hong Kong elections. Whether you choose to vote by postal voting, proxy voting, or in person, it’s important to follow the steps outlined in this guide and ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and deadlines. By taking part in the elections, you can have a say in the future of Hong Kong and make your voice heard. So don’t hesitate to register as an overseas voter and exercise your right to vote!