Civil Service Secretary Ingrid Yeung has appealed to retired civil servants to vote in next month's district council elections, saying it is their civic responsibility to do so.

On Sunday, Yeung said she has written to more than a dozen retired government workers' unions asking them to spread the message that everyone should "go together and vote".

"I appeal to retired civil servants who have registered as voters to fulfil your civic responsibility on December 10 with your family and friends. Cast your ballot," the minister wrote on social media.

Yeung said she thinks retired civil servants care very much about society's development, much like the 170,000 or so people still working for the government.

They should pick capable and aspiring councillors to become important bridges between the government and the people, she added.

Last week, Chief Secretary Eric Chan said current civil servants should cast their ballots to "lead by example", while Chief Executive John Lee said government workers had a responsibility to vote in order to support and implement the government's policies.