Richmond’s Oct. 17 municipal election ballot will list 90 candidates on both sides

Richmond residents voting in the Oct. 17, 2026 municipal election will use a double-sided ballot listing 90 candidates alphabetically in three sections: mayor, school trustee and councillor. Mayoral and trustee candidates will appear on the front, while councillor candidates will be on the back, chief election officer Claudia Jesson said. Candidates’ non-English names, submitted with their nomination documents, will also appear, along with the names of elector organizations, or slates and parties.

To vote, a person must be a Canadian citizen who is at least 18 on Oct. 17, 2026, a Richmond resident, and have lived in B.C. for at least six months before registering to vote on April 16. Voters must not be disqualified by law. A non-resident may vote if they personally own property in Richmond for at least 30 days before registering. Property wholly or jointly owned by a corporation, business or organization does not qualify. Non-residents can register in advance by contacting the Richmond Elections Office at [email protected] or 604-276-4100.

Advance voting starts Saturday, Oct. 3, and continues Oct. 7, 8, 9 and 10. Voters must bring two pieces of identification showing their name and home address to any advance voting location on those dates. On General Voting Day, voters must attend the location assigned on their voter card.

Eligible voters may also request a mail ballot package. Online applications are open until 3 p.m. on Oct. 9; applications by phone at 604-276-4100 are accepted until 3 p.m. on Oct. 15. Packages will be mailed from Sept. 28 to Oct. 7. After Oct. 7, they must be picked up at Richmond City Hall. Anyone who requests a mail ballot cannot vote in person during advance voting or on General Voting Day. The Chief Election Officer must receive mail ballots by 8 p.m. on Oct. 17.