Richmond voters to elect a Mayor, eight Councillors and seven School Trustees on November 15

Richmond, BC – The City of Richmond is holding a general local and school election on Saturday, November 15, 2014 and Richmond voters will have the opportunity to elect a Mayor, eight Councillors and seven School Trustees.

“Richmond voters have various opportunities to vote this November,” said Chief Election Officer David Weber. “In addition to voting on General Voting Day on November 15, residents can also vote on five advance voting dates. We also have options for people living with disabilities, for those who expect to be away during the election but wish to vote and for those who own a property in Richmond but don’t live here.”

Here are a few highlights to keep in mind this election:

· The City of Richmond will be using a divisional voting model which means voters are required to vote at their designated voting place in their neighbourhood.

· Those elected this November will be in office for four years instead of three years.

· Residents can follow updates through Twitter www.twitter.com/Richmond_BC (use #rmdelxn) in addition to Facebook, www.facebook.com/CityofRichmondBC.

Following the nomination period, candidate profiles will be available on the City’s website and mailed out to all Richmond households included in Voters Guide.

Residents who were registered to vote for previous provincial, federal or civic elections are likely already on the BC Voters List. Richmond residents voting for the first time, or those who have changed their address or name are encouraged to update their information by downloading a form online and submitting it to the Election Office before Tuesday, September 23. After September 23, residents can also update their registration on the day they vote.

Eligible voters can vote on general voting day, Saturday, November 15 or during the advance voting dates on November 1, 5, 6, 7 or 8.

To be eligible to vote, residents must be:
· a Canadian citizen
· 18 years of age or older on general voting day (November 15, 2014)
· a resident of BC for six months immediately prior to registration
· a resident of Richmond for 30 days immediately prior to registration
· must not be disqualified by law from voting.
Information is also available at the City’s Election Office, now open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding holidays) at Richmond City Hall or by calling 604-276-4100 during those hours. Residents are also encouraged to visit www.richmond.ca/electionservices.