In-person voting starts Jan. 22 for Richmond Hill mayoral byelection

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 24, 2022

Richmond Hill's 12 vote centres are open on Saturday, Jan. 22 for in-person voting for the 2022 byelection for mayor. Eligible voters can still choose the fast, convenient and secure option of voting online until 8 p.m. on Jan. 24.

In-person voting is available:

• Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

• Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Monday, Jan. 24, 2022 (voting day) from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

After 5 p.m. on voting day, eligible voters must attend a vote centre to request being added to the voters’ list. Voters should bring their voter information package (VIP) and will need to show identification with their name and address. If you did not receive a VIP and you are eligible to vote, please call the voter assistance helpline at 905-771-5555, visit RichmondHill.ca/RHVotes or visit a vote centre.

Vote centre locations are listed on the VIP and on the website at RichmondHill.ca/RHVotes. Voters can choose to vote at any one of the 12 vote centres. At each vote centre, you can choose to vote with a paper ballot or at an internet voting terminal.

COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES AT VOTE CENTRES

Safety protocols are in place at the vote centre to protect the community, voters, and election workers to protect the community, voters, and election workers.

• Voters are asked not to attend a centre if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, if they or anyone in their household has tested positive or if they have been advised to self-isolate due to possible exposure or recent travel. If you are not able to attend in person due to COVID-19, you can still vote online.

2022 Richmond Hill mayoral byelection in-person voting

• Face masks or coverings are required in all enclosed public spaces.

 

• Hand sanitizer stations are available on site for use before and after voting.

• Signs will be posted throughout the centres, including floor markers, to reinforce physical distancing and other health and safety guidelines.

 

• The number of voters permitted in a vote centre at one time will be limited, which may lead to longer wait times and the need for voters to line up outdoors. Voters are encouraged to not bring minors to vote centres, and only bring non-voters if you require assistance.

• Names and phone numbers will be collected for contact tracing. Proof of vaccination is not required to vote in person.

 

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. On conviction, any individual found to have voted more than once can face a fine of up to $25,000 and imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.

If your household received a voter information package (VIP) for a former resident, do not open or forward it. It is illegal to tamper with mail -- this includes opening a VIP 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, 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;

 

• Not otherwise prohibited by law from voting.

ANNOUNCING THE RESULTS

The election office will only begin to tabulate online, and paper ballots after all vote centres have closed and all voters in line at 8 p.m. have been allowed to vote. Eligible voters in line to vote at 8 p.m. must be permitted to vote, which may lead to delays in reporting results.

Unofficial results will be posted to RichmondHill.ca as available following review and processing by the election office. Voting results are considered unofficial until certified by the City Clerk, which the City Clerk is obligated to do as soon as possible following voting day.

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.