One Person, One Vote – It’s the Law

RICHMOND HILL – Eligible voters on Richmond Hill’s 2026 Municipal Elections Voters’ List should be receiving their Voter Information Packages (VIP) in the mail beginning this week.

The VIP contains the recipient’s unique Online Voting PIN and information on when, where and ways to vote. Individuals who have not received their VIP should check to see if they are on the Voters’ List. Detailed steps on how to check and update personal information on the Voters’ List is available at RichmondHill.ca/RHVotes in the “Am I on the Voters’ List?” section. Eligible voters who apply online to amend the Voter’s List will need to have their identification verified in person at Access Richmond Hill (225 East Beaver Creek Road), by October 24 or at any Vote Centre between October 24 to 26 to be added to the Voters’ List.  

Eligible voters will have the choice to vote online (October 20 – 26) or in person (October 24 – 26). Eligible voters will elect a Mayor, Regional and Local Councillors, Ward Councillors and School Board Trustees. The next term of Council begins November 15, 2026 and ends November 14, 2030.

The following information applies to all eligible voters, whether voting online or in person:

Only open your own Voter Information Package (VIP)

Each Voter Information Package (VIP) will contain a unique Online Voting PIN which will be used by the voter to cast a ballot online in the 2026 Municipal Elections.

It is a Criminal Code offence to tamper with mail, which includes opening a VIP other than your own. If you receive a VIP addressed to a former resident, such as a family member who has moved, do not open or forward it; Mark the envelope “Return to Sender” and drop it in a mailbox.

Keep your information secure

Eligible voters should not share their VIP or Online Voting PIN with anyone, including candidates or City staff. Candidates and candidates’ volunteers are not permitted to assist a voter in using the Online Voting System.

It is illegal to vote more than once

Under law, eligible voters can only vote once in the 2026 Municipal Elections, regardless of how many properties they own or rent. 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.

Ways to vote

Online voting will be available from 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20 until 8 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026. To vote online, eligible voters will require their Online Voting PIN found in their VIP and full birthdate.

In person voting by paper ballot and vote tabulators will be available on Saturday, October 24, 2026, and Sunday, October 25, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Voting Day, Monday, October 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. In person voting is available at any one of the seven convenient and secure Vote Centres. To vote in person, voters should bring their VIP and current identification showing their name and address to a Vote Centre. The VIP is not considered valid identification. A list of Vote Centre locations and acceptable identification is included in the VIP and available at RichmondHill.ca/RHVotes.

For more information about the 2026 Municipal Elections, visit RichmondHill.ca/RHVotes.

Need Help?

For voter assistance, email elections@richmondhill.ca or call 905-771-5555. Staff are available during regular business hours, and on October 24 and 25 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and October 26 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

MEDIA CONTACT

Shreya Pardeshi, Communications Coordinator, shreya.pardeshi@richmondhill.ca