Saturday, May 29 is the day Richmondites can cast a ballot to elect one city councillor – unless they have already voted by mail or at advance polls.
Because of the pandemic, Richmond city staff will ask for a ministerial order to allow mail-in ballots for all voters – normally who can vote by mail in a by-election is fairly limited – and they will also set up polling stations on four days leading up to the election.
Three candidates have already announced they are running to replace Kelly Greene, who stepped down from council after winning a seat in the provincial legislature last fall.
School Trustee Ken Hamaguchi, retired VPD superintendent Andy Hobbs and retired McGill adjunct professor John Roston all are vying for the seat.
The by-election is expected to cost up to $716,000.
The nomination period, when candidates can sign up to run, will run from April 13 to 23, and the campaign period will begin May 1.
Advance polls will be held May 15, 19, 20 and 22 leading up to general voting day, Saturday, May 29.
The next general election to elect a mayor and eight councillors as well as seven school trustees is Oct. 15, 2022.
