Richmond advance voting more than doubles from 2022 ahead of Oct. 17 municipal election

The Story

The City of Richmond reports that 17,646 voters cast ballots during five advance voting days between Oct. 3 and Oct. 10 for this year’s municipal election, an increase of 141 per cent over the 7,247 advance ballots cast in 2022.

Residents who are eligible can still vote on general voting day on Oct. 17, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., to choose one mayor, eight city councillors and seven school trustees.

The city advises voters to confirm whether they are already on the voters list by using its “Am I on the Voters List?” online tool. Those registering for the first time need two pieces of identification that include their full name and residential address, with one piece of ID that includes a signature.

On election day, voters must vote at the location listed on their voter’s card. The city says voters can use its “Where Do I Vote?” online tool to determine which of the 28 designated voting stations they should go to, and that voting place instructions will be available in French, simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese and Punjabi.

The city says voters who require language assistance may bring a family member or friend to translate or request assistance from an elections official. Accessible voting options are available for people who use wheelchairs, walkers and mobility scooters, though the city notes that some locations are not fully accessible.

Curbside voting will be available at all locations, with signs providing instructions on what to do when arriving to vote. The city also states that audio and video recordings and photography are not allowed inside voting locations, while selfies are permitted outside.

The city says municipal election results will be counted and shared on the City of Richmond Elections webpage after voting ends at 8 p.m. on Oct. 17. The 2026 provincial election is scheduled for the following Saturday, Oct. 24, with advance voting from Oct. 16 to 21.