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Why voting in May 29 by-election matters

By Mayor Malcolm Brodie

Published 10:26 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

Last Updated: 10:35 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

Later this month, Richmond residents will contribute to our democratic process for local government when voting to elect a new member to City Council. Our City’s government impacts many facets of Richmond—from managing the overall growth of the City and its environmental sustainability—to public parks, traffic management and public safety. This by-election is another opportunity for Richmond residents to directly contribute to City decisions which may affect the quality of life in Richmond far into the future.

On Saturday, May 29, you will have a say on which new Councillor will join Council to fill a vacancy following a recent Councillor resignation. The successful candidate will serve as a City Councillor until the next regular election scheduled for October, 2022.

Fortunately, voters will have a choice on how to cast a ballot on or before May 29. Steps are being taken to carefully manage the process in accordance with public health orders and thus ensure public safety during the pandemic.

Your vote is important. So you need to make sure you are eligible and registered. You can vote if you are a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years of age on voting day as well as a resident of Richmond for at least 30 days and the Province for at least six months prior to the by-election.

This will be the first time eligible voters in Richmond will be able to cast a ballot by mail. To request a mail ballot, simply go to the Richmond by-election website or call the Elections Office at 604-276-4100. Please remember that a mail ballot needs to be posted in ample time to ensure it reaches the Election Office on or before election day. Voters can also bring completed, sealed mail ballots to an advance voting station, to City Hall or to a polling location on May 29 before the 8:00 p.m. deadline.

To accommodate those who wish to cast a ballot ahead of time, the City has scheduled four advance voting days (May 15, 19, 20 and 22). The location of all voting places, including advance stations, are listed online.

You will find information on each of the candidates seeking to fill the vacant position by connecting to the City of Richmond’s By-Election website. Please take the opportunity to learn as much as possible about each candidate. As shown in the material, each candidate has a wide range of experience which provides a real choice for the voter. Being elected to City Council is a tremendous honour but carries with it heavy responsibility.

The City of Richmond has always been a strong, diverse community. Residents appreciate our cultural heritage and the democratic process. Please—cast your ballot to choose a new City Richmond Councillor on or before May 29. Your vote really does matter.

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