HONG KONG – With the 2025 Legislative Council General Election scheduled for December 7, the Hong Kong government is rolling out an extensive series of complimentary activities and civic initiatives to cultivate a positive polling atmosphere and encourage widespread participation. Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan announced the comprehensive plan on November 26, detailing community events, free access to public facilities, and consumer incentives designed to motivate residents to engage with the democratic process.
The government’s strategy centers on making the election weekend a festive community occasion. A key element is the distribution of a specially designed appreciation card to every voter on polling day. This card, created using generative artificial intelligence (AI) and featuring the election mascot, the Ballot Box Family, serves as a symbol of gratitude for civic duty and collective responsibility in shaping Hong Kong’s future.
Celebrating Civic Duty with Community-Wide Events
The engagement efforts commence the day before the election with “Election Fun Day” on December 6. This citywide program includes district-level activities celebrating the election. The pinnacle event is the flagship gala, “Together We Vote for the Future,” scheduled for the evening in the West Kowloon Cultural District, featuring diverse performances from artists, magicians, and dance troupes.
To further incentivize participation, numerous public facilities managed by various departments will offer free admission on both December 6 and 7. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will open all public swimming pools free of charge. Additionally, major cultural and ecological institutions, including the Wetland Park, the Space Museum, the Science Museum, and the Museum of Art, will waive entry fees. The community recycling network, Green@Community, will offer double bonus points to users during this period.
Mr. Chan emphasized that these non-voting incentives are available to all citizens, underscoring the government’s commitment to raising election awareness and creating a constructive civic ambiance.
Diverse Activities Across the Territory
Events are planned across Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories, ensuring accessibility for all residents. Civic education carnivals will be held at locations such as Tai Po Waterfront Park. The LCSD will host “Election Fun Fest” at six venues, featuring sports-themed interactive sessions. Furthermore, the Environment and Ecology Bureau, in collaboration with KMB, will display heritage and electric buses at the Lai Chi Kok depot.
Eight disciplined services units, including the Tsing Yi Fire Station and Government Flying Service facilities at Tai Mei Tuk and Kowloon Peak, will open their doors for public engagement activities throughout the weekend.
Economic Incentives and Legislative Impact
Beyond cultural and civic activities, the plan includes economic perks aimed at families. Designated Housing Authority malls and markets, along with the Yau Tong Domain, will offer an extra hour of free parking for customers meeting minimum spending thresholds. Historic sites, such as King Yin Lei, will offer free guided tours and concessions. Many private merchants and enterprises are also voluntarily announcing special promotions coinciding with the election weekend.
Responding to inquiries about public expenditure, Mr. Chan explained the focus is on societal mobilization and creating favorable conditions for broad participation, noting the importance of the business sector’s voluntary involvement.
He highlighted the importance of the Legislative Council, which serves a four-year term, in reflecting public sentiment. The current term has demonstrated significant governmental collaboration, resulting in approximately 1,800 amendment proposals—a 60% increase from the previous term—and roughly 130 bills passed.
Mr. Chan urged residents to remain in Hong Kong for the weekend, reminding them that candidates, drawn from diverse backgrounds within the “patriots-only” framework, offer a spectrum of platforms from which citizens can select representatives to reflect their voices. The comprehensive program aims to fuse civic responsibility with community enjoyment, making the act of voting a central, celebrated part of the weekend experience.