Richmond Hill warns against illegal votes as mayoral byelection online voting begins Jan. 18

Offence against One Person One Vote carries a maximum fine of $25,000 or up to six months in jail

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 18, 2022
Yoyo Yan

It's time to cast your vote in Richmond Hill's 2022 byelection for mayor. Online voting is open from 10 a.m. on Jan. 18 until 8 p.m. on Jan. 24, 2022. Voting online is a fast, convenient and secure way to vote.

Your Voter Information Package (VIP) contains instructions on how to cast your ballot using the Internet Voting System. It also includes your unique Voter ID and Voting PIN. Do not share your Voter ID or Voting PIN with anyone, including any candidates or city staff. Additional steps will also be required to confirm your identity when voting online.

If you did not receive a Voter Information Package (VIP), please call the Voter Assistance Helpline at 905-771-5555.

Alternatively, in-person voting will be available Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022 and Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Voting Day, Monday Jan. 24, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

ONE PERSON, ONE VOTE -- IT'S THE LAW

It is illegal to vote more than once or when not entitled to vote. It is also illegal to vote using another person's Voter ID and Voting PIN. The offence under Ontario's Municipal Elections Act carries a maximum fine of $25,000 or up to six months in jail.

If your household received a VIP for a former resident, do not open or forward it. It is illegal to tamper with mail – this includes opening a Voter Information Package other than your own. Mark the envelope "Return to Sender – Not at this Address" and drop it in a mailbox.

VOTER ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible to vote in this By-election you must be:

• A Canadian citizen;
• At least 18 years of age on or before Voting Day (Jan. 24, 2022);
• A resident, owner or tenant of land in the City of Richmond Hill, or the spouse of such tenant or owner; and
• Not otherwise prohibited by law from voting.

NEED HELP?

For more information about the byelection, visit RichmondHill.ca/RHVotes.
For voter assistance, email elections@richmondhill.ca or call 905-771-5555. Staff are available during regular business hours, and Jan. 22 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or Jan. 24 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.