Advance Voting Up - Richmond Voters Go to Polls Saturday
November 14, 2008
Richmond voters head for the polls to choose the mayor and eight councillors for the City of Richmond and seven school trustees for the Richmond Board of Education. But some of the City’s 125,000 registered voters have already cast their ballot, taking advantage of the new legislation that has changed the eligibility restrictions on advanced voting.
A total of 2,942 electors have cast their ballots over five days of advanced voting. That is ahead of the 2005 total, when 1,814 voted over four advance polls, and the 2002 election when 1,087 voted in advance.
The number of registered voters has increased as well over the last two elections. In 2005, there were 116,821 registered voters; in 2002, 78,840 citizens registered to vote.
On election day, 34 voting places throughout the City will be open between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Electors must vote at the voting place specified for their voting division, based on their current residential address. The only exceptions are those using advance voting and those voting by mail ballot because of injury, illness or physical disability. Registered voters will have received voters’ cards in the mail over the past week indicating their voting place. Or, voters can check the City’s website, richmond.ca>Elections 2008> Where Do I Vote.
Non-registered voters may still register and vote on November 15 provided they meet the eligibility requirements and produce two pieces of identification. At least one of the pieces of identification must provide the elector’s signature and must show proof of residence.
To be an eligible voter you must be: a Canadian citizen, 18 years of age by election day; resident of BC for six months and resident of Richmond for 30 days immediately prior to election day and not disqualified by law from voting.
You may bring one person with you to assist you in the voting booth, if you require physical assistance or if you require translation assistance. Curbside voting is available for those who can drive to their Voting Place, but are physically unable to enter the Voting Place.
Further information on voter eligibility, voting day registration and on any other election matters may be obtained by visiting the City Election Office, City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Road, Richmond, or by calling (604) 276-4100 before 5 p.m. today. The City Election Office will also be open on General Voting Day.
