The Registration & Electoral Office (REO) stressed today that electors can only vote for one candidate when casting votes for the District Council geographical constituency in the District Council Ordinary Election on December 10.

It reiterated the election guidelines following a recent appeal on the Internet calling for voters to stamp two ticks on their ballot papers, thereby rendering the ballot papers invalid.

The REO explained that it is clearly stipulated in the electoral legislation, that when electors cast their votes, they can only stamp one tick in the designated circle opposite the name of the selected candidate using the chop provided at the polling station.

It made it clear that there can only be one tick marked on the ballot paper. If more than one tick is made, the ballot paper will be deemed invalid.

According to the Elections (Corrupt & 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 election period. Upon conviction, the offence warrants a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment and a fine of $200,000.

To enable voters to have a better understanding of the polling procedures and the points to note, the REO has clearly presented the relevant information on the election website and publicised it on television, radio and online platforms.

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

The REO added that on the polling day, the polling staff will remind electors that they can only vote for one candidate by explaining that only one tick can be marked on the ballot paper.