About 2.418 million registered electors in 326 constituencies will receive poll cards reminding them where and how to vote in the 2003 District Council Election.

They will also get a map showing the location of their designated polling station, a voting guide and an introductory leaflet containing the photographs, personal particulars and platforms of the candidates in their respective constituencies.

If electors do not receive the material by November 13, they should call the election hotline 2891 1001.

Also included in the package will be a leaflet from the Independent Commission Against Corruption on clean and fair elections and a letter from the District Officer appealing to voters to exercise their civic rights.

This year's polling will be held on November 23, from 7.30am to 10.30pm.

Candidates in 74 of the 400 constituencies have been elected unopposed. The remaining 326 seats in the 18 District Councils will be contested by 763 candidates.

To vote, registered electors need only to bring their HKID card to the polling station.

Voters will be given a stamp bearing a 'tick' to mark the ballot paper. They should press the stamp in the circle opposite the name of the candidate of their choice.

Using a pen or anything other than the chop to mark the ballot paper will invalidate the vote.

Electors in the uncontested constituencies will receive a notice of uncontested nomination and a leaflet introducing the elected candidate by next month.