Residents express hope that the elected will continue to serve the community

More than 1.3 million voters across the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region headed to the polls on Sunday for the eighth-term Legislative Council general election, choosing 90 lawmakers tasked with representing the public, addressing livelihood issues, and guiding the city’s recovery following the Wang Fuk Court fire.

Voting began at 7:30 am. Shortly after 8 am, a steady stream of voters had begun arriving at various polling stations, including Law Ting Pong Secondary School and Hong Kong Teachers’ Association Lee Heng Kwei Secondary School in Tai Po, a suburban district in the New Territories. The stations served as repositioned polling centers following the fatal blaze on Nov 26. They were among some 600 ordinary polling stations operated across the city, including six near-border checkpoints for travelers.

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Operations ran smoothly, with clear directional signs guiding voters from nearby bus stops and transport hubs. Inside, staff members were stationed to offer assistance.

At the entrance of each polling station stood display carousels containing information and campaign pamphlets from all 161 candidates, organized by constituency, allowing voters to browse candidates’ profiles before casting their ballots.

Election-themed banners fluttered at station entrances, and many voters posed for photos with thank-you cards distributed by the SAR government — a symbolic gesture intended to encourage civic participation.

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A voter surnamed Yip, who cast her ballot at Law Ting Pong Secondary School, said she hopes that newly elected lawmakers will focus on livelihood concerns in Tai Po, including fire safety, public transport fares, and services for the elderly.

She added that she has been encouraging family and friends to vote. “Voting is both our right as residents, and our way to make our voices heard,” she said. “If you have suggestions or opinions, you should speak up. Only by speaking out more can we see improvements.”

Another voter who gave her surname, Mok, arrived with her husband and son to cast their ballots at the same station, describing the process as smooth and well-organized.

Mok said she hopes that elected lawmakers will prioritize resettling fire victims and improving residents’ quality of life, fulfilling their duties to the fullest.

A senior resident surnamed Cheung, who voted in Tai Po on Sunday morning, echoed similar sentiments.

“Our ballots are important. If we don’t come out to vote, our voices and feelings will not be heard,” he said. Cheung, who has participated in previous elections, added that he hopes those elected will continue to serve the people.

In the wake of the Tai Po fire, three polling stations near the affected area were relocated, with free transportation arranged for voters assigned to new polling venues. Additional transport was provided for residents temporarily relocated to other districts, as voters from functional and geographical constituencies must cast their votes at designated polling stations.

Lai, a former resident of the fire-damaged Wang Fuk Court estate, attended the polling station with his wife via one of the free shuttle buses arranged for affected residents. “The whole process was smooth and convenient,” he said. Lai expressed hopes that the elected lawmakers will represent grassroots voices, work for their well-being, and improve transportation in Tai Po.

A social worker surnamed Lam, who voted at Hong Kong Teachers’ Association Lee Heng Kwei Secondary School, said she hopes elected representatives will genuinely reflect residents’ views, and raise their concerns with the government, particularly on improving public welfare.

Shan Wenxuan and Fu Yinglin contributed to the story.