Hong Kong authorities have unveiled new measures aimed at encouraging more young residents to register as voters, introducing a simplified process that allows some applicants to bypass traditional proof-of-address requirements through self-declarations.

Under the initiative, young people who turn eighteen will be able to complete a statutory declaration confirming their residential address if they do not possess standard address documents.

Officials said commissioners for oaths will be stationed at Immigration Department Registration of Persons offices, where many residents visit to replace juvenile identity cards with adult identity cards upon reaching adulthood.

The proposal was outlined during a meeting of the Legislative Council’s constitutional affairs panel as officials presented details of the city’s 2026 voter registration campaign.

The campaign’s first stage is scheduled to run from late April to early June and will focus on encouraging eligible residents to register as electors for upcoming elections.

Government officials said the policy reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening civic participation among younger residents.

Clement Woo Kin-man, acting secretary for constitutional and mainland affairs, told lawmakers that encouraging youth registration is a priority as the government seeks to ensure that new generations take part in the electoral process.

Officials acknowledged that many young people encounter practical difficulties when registering to vote because they often lack formal documents showing proof of address.

The new self-declaration arrangement is intended to remove this barrier while maintaining verification procedures through sworn statements administered by authorized officials.

Under Hong Kong’s electoral framework, permanent residents aged eighteen or above who ordinarily live in the city are eligible to register as electors and vote in relevant elections once their names are entered on the official register.

Voter registration in the city is voluntary and administered through the Registration and Electoral Office under existing electoral legislation.

Authorities say the youth-focused initiative forms part of a broader effort to maintain an accurate and representative voter register while strengthening public awareness of electoral participation.

By integrating the registration process into locations where young residents already visit to update their identity documents, officials aim to make voter registration simpler and more accessible for first-time voters.