Richmond voters will have expanded voting opportunities and greater access to voter and candidate information in this November's general local and school board elections.
"In order to encourage voter turnout, we've made it a lot easier for people to cast their votes," said David Weber, Richmond's chief election officer.
"Wherever you are in Richmond on Election Day, you will be just a few minutes away from one of our 32 voting places, where you can quickly drop in and vote. There will be more advance voting opportunities as well, and we're making it easier for people to find out how, where and when they can vote and who the candidates are."
As ever, Richmond residents will elect a mayor and eight councillors for the city and seven school trustees for the Richmond Board of Education on Saturday, Nov. 19.
To help make the process easier, this year all Richmond voters can:
"Vote anywhere" by visiting any one voting place they wish, not just a designated neighbourhood voting place. This includes new voting places planned for high traffic areas such as the Richmond Cultural Centre, Lansdowne Centre and Watermania.
"Vote at your convenience" by having the option of casting your ballot on election day (Nov. 19) or on any of five advance voting days, with an increased number of voting places available to choose from on advance voting days.
Access voting information around the clock through the city's website at www.richmond.ca/electionservices/overview or on our Richmond election Facebook page at facebook.com/richmondvotes.
Check out detailed profiles of all the candidates which will be available following the nomination period in October, on the city's website and in our comprehensive voter's guide, which is mailed to all Richmond households.
? Information is also available at the city's election office, now open weekdays from 8: 15 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding holidays) at Richmond City Hall or by calling 604-276-4100 during those hours.
Voter registration for the upcoming election is now underway. Election office staff at city hall can help you register or ensure that voters list information for you is current.
You can visit the office in person, call or check online by visiting www. richmond.ca/electionservices/overview.
If you are voting in Richmond for the first time, have changed your address or your name, you may have to update your registration.
Voters are encouraged to update their registration before Sept. 27.
To register to vote you must be a Canadian citizen; 18 years of age or older on election day; a resident of B.C. for six months immediately prior to registration; a resident of Richmond for 30 days immediately prior to registration; and you must not be disqualified by law from voting.
