Vote by mail available for all eligible voters for the 2021 Richmond By-Election
27 April 2021
For the first time, all eligible voters in the City of Richmond will be able to submit their ballot via mail for the Saturday, May 29 By-Election.
The move, made possible through a Ministerial Order, supports the City’s commitment to delivering a safe and physically distanced by-election during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How to request a mail ballot package
Eligible voters may apply for a mail ballot package up to and including General Voting Day on Saturday, May 29, 2021.
To obtain a mail ballot, please visit our website at richmond.ca/electionservices/voters/votingopportunities/mail. The online form will be available until 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 27. To request a mail ballot after this time, please call 604-276-4100.
Anyone who is unable to submit an online request for a mail ballot package should contact the Mail Ballot Office for assistance at 604-276-4100. Phone lines will be open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Who can request a mail ballot package?
All existing voters and new registrants will be able to request a mail ballot package. The mail ballot package will include instructions on how to complete and return the mail ballot.
New registrants must meet eligibility requirements and will receive a voter registration form (200M) along with their mail ballot package. The voter registration form must be filled in completely. If the form is incomplete, the mail ballot will not be accepted.
Non-resident property electors must contact the Elections Office at 604-276-4100 to obtain a mail ballot package.
How to return a mail ballot package
All completed mail ballots must be received by the Chief Election Officer at Elections Headquarters before the end of voting at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 29, 2021 to be counted.
It is strongly recommended that completed ballots should be placed in the mail no later than Friday, May 14 to ensure delivery by the May 29 deadline. After May 14, completed mail ballots can still be returned:
- in the drop box at Richmond City Hall;
- at an advance voting opportunity; or
- at one of the ten voting places on General Voting Day.
Packages received after 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 29, 2021 will not be accepted and the vote not counted.
Once a person has requested to vote by mail ballot, they cannot vote at the regular or advance voting opportunities. The mail ballot is their only accepted option to vote.
Note: It is the responsibility of the elector to return the ballot by the deadline noted above.