Less than two weeks before legislative elections, the Hong Kong government and local businesses are launching an extensive, multi-sector discount campaign designed to encourage residents to remain in the city and cast their ballots on December 18. The concerted effort, which senior officials hope will increase voter engagement, includes free access to cultural facilities, discounted attraction tickets, and deals across retail and dining sectors. Crucially, the public benefit offers will be available across the election weekend, sidestepping the controversial requirement of showing any proof of voting.
The government is expected to announce its detailed incentive package this afternoon, following similar moves already made by corporations and restaurants. Sources within the administration indicated that on December 17 and 18, facilities under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will offer certain services at no charge, while various prominent tourist destinations will feature reduced entry fees.
This broad-brush approach marks a notable shift from previous elections. Unlike some prior electoral cycles that offered targeted benefits like free public transport—an initiative officials now view as ineffective given most polling stations are located near residential areas—this campaign is explicitly non-discriminatory regarding voter status.
Officials explained that the decision to offer incentives over two days, independently of showing the post-vote “Gratitude Card,” addresses logistical concerns. Since the public can access the discounts before they vote, requiring proof of voting would be impractical. More fundamentally, sources stressed that the goal is the comprehensive mobilization of the electorate. Given the typical enthusiasm for weekend travel, the incentives aim to keep residents local and foster a positive atmosphere around the democratic exercise.
The business community is simultaneously mobilizing, preparing a large-scale “Voting Appreciation Festival” encompassing retail, catering, and entertainment outlets. While earlier phases saw some businesses offer direct discounts upon presenting a completed ballot receipt, the new, widespread commercial deals will treat the post-vote Gratitude Card as a general discount voucher across multiple sectors.
The legality of these incentives has been publicly addressed. Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki previously clarified that the discounts are permissible under electoral law, provided they do not attempt to sway a voter toward a specific candidate.
Government insiders defended the incentives as “universal benefits,” explaining that the core spirit of election legislation is to prevent bribery tied to a particular political choice. They argue that offering widespread, non-partisan encouragement to participate in voting cannot be reasonably construed as an illicit exchange of favors. Instead, these measures serve as a symbolic token of appreciation for citizens fulfilling their constitutional duty.
This strategy mirrors initiatives seen internationally. Examples cited by officials include U.S. businesses offering free goods to voters and South Korea’s elections last year, where extensive commercial discounts contributed to the highest voter turnout in decades.
With this significant show of official and commercial support, officials are hoping to galvanize voter interest. Having already implemented measures to facilitate voting for civil servants, this broader campaign represents an uncommonly strong drive to boost overall participation and reduce political apathy leading up to the legislative poll.
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