Residents across the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region headed to the city’s eighth-term Legislative Council general election on Sunday, hoping that new lawmakers would better represent them, address livelihood issues, and deal with the aftermath of the Wang Fuk Court fire efficiently.

Voting began at 7:30 am at polling stations across the city. Shortly after 8 am, a steady stream of voters had begun arriving at various polling stations, including those at Law Ting Pong Secondary School and Hong Kong Teachers’ Association Lee Heng Kwei Secondary School in Tai Po, which are among 612 ordinary polling stations and redesignated due to the blaze.

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Operations were smooth with clear signs to guide voters from nearby bus stops and public transport hubs.

On-site staff were also on hand to offer guidance and assistance.

One voter, a resident surnamed Yip, cast her ballot at Law Ting Pong Secondary School. She hopes that newly-elected lawmakers will focus on all livelihood-related issues in Tai Po District, including fire safety, public transport fares, and services for the elderly, adding that she has been encouraging those around her to vote.

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“Voting is both our right as residents, and our way to make our voices heard. If you have suggestions or opinions, you should speak up. Only by speaking out more can we see improvements,” Yip said.

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

She hopes that elected lawmakers would prioritize resettling fire victims and help to improve people’s livelihoods, playing their roles to the fullest.

Also at Law Ting Pong Secondary School, a man surnamed Cheung cast his vote in the morning. “Our ballots are important. If we don’t come out to vote, our voices and feelings will not be heard,” the senior resident said. 

Cheung, who lives in Tai Po, has voted in past elections and said he hopes that those elected will continue to stand for the people.

Lai, a former resident of the fire-damaged housing estate, came to the polling station with his wife on Sunday morning via the free shuttle bus arranged for those affected by the blaze. 

“The whole process was smooth and convenient,” he said. He said he hopes that the elected lawmakers will represent grassroots voices, strive 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 that 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.