A quick introduction
Why should I care?
Voting eligibility
Am I eligible to vote?
Check each statement that applies to you.
(The City’s official election guidance can help confirm unusual circumstances. You can still explore the Election Hub even if you may not be eligible to vote.)
Voter registration
Are you on the Voters’ List?
Your name must be on the Voters’ List before you can vote. Click the button below to check if you’re on the list, or to add or update your information if needed.
(Questions about the Voters’ List can be directed to Elections Coordinator, 225 East Beaver Creek Road, Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 3P4, by telephone at 905-771-8800 or by email to elections@richmondhill.ca.)
Voters’ List help
Check or update your registration
Use Richmond Hill’s voter lookup to check, add or correct your information. You can also contact the Voter Assistance Helpline at 905-771-5555.
Voter Information Package (VIP)
Voter Information Package (VIP)
Your Voter Information Package (VIP) tells you when, where, and how to vote. It includes the information you need to vote online or in person.
If you’re on the voters’ list, your VIP should arrive by mail in late September or early October. Keep it somewhere safe, as you’ll need the information in it when it’s time to vote.
To add or update voter information, you will normally need one piece of identification showing both your name and home address. Call the City’s Elections Office at 905-771-8800 to add or update your information.
Registration details
Is your information correct?
Check your name, Richmond Hill address and any property information connected with your registration.
What you may need
Update your voter information
To add or update voter information, you will normally need one piece of identification showing both your name and home address.
Eligibility stage complete
You’re ready for the next stop
Next, we will find your ward and show which contests will appear on your ballot.
Where am I?
What’s a ward?
A municipal ward is a geographic area of the city used to provide local representation on City Council. Think of it as the municipal equivalent of a riding in provincial or federal elections. Richmond Hill is divided into six wards, and each ward elects one Ward Councillor to represent the people who live there.
Your ward determines which Ward Councillor candidates you can vote for in the municipal election. Ward Councillors represent their neighbourhoods at City Council and deal with local concerns such as development, traffic, parks, roads, and other city services. The Mayor and two Regional and Local Councillors, on the other hand, are elected city-wide, so everyone in Richmond Hill can vote for those positions.
Where am I?
Find you ward
If you already know your ward, click one of the buttons below to see its boundaries and learn more about it.
Not sure which ward you live in? Use the City of Richmond Hill’s ward map to find your ward based on where you live. Click the link below to check your ward, then come back here to explore the candidates running to represent you.
Know ward 1
Ward 1: what you need to know
Boundaries: Ward 1 covers the northern part of Richmond Hill. It is bounded by Bloomington Road to the north, Highway 404 to the east, Jefferson Sideroad and Stouffville Road to the south, and Bathurst Street to the west.
Landmarks: Ward 1 includes much of the Oak Ridges community and some of Richmond Hill’s best-known natural and recreational destinations. Lake Wilcox, the largest kettle lake on the Oak Ridges Moraine, is one of the area’s defining landmarks. Its waterfront park includes trails, a boardwalk, splash pad, playground and recreation facilities. The Oak Ridges Community Centre and Pool, overlooking Lake Wilcox, is also located here, along with the Oak Ridges Library on Regatta Avenue.
Issues: One of the important planning questions facing Ward 1 is how Oak Ridges should grow while protecting the environmentally sensitive Oak Ridges Moraine. The City has designated the area around Yonge Street and King Road as the Oak Ridges Local Centre, where future growth is intended to create a more walkable, mixed-use and transit-supportive main street. Current planning policies generally contemplate low- and mid-rise development, with heights of up to six storeys in much of the centre and up to eight storeys on portions of Yonge Street. At the same time, several of these policies have been appealed by landowners and developers to the Ontario Land Tribunal, making the scale and form of future development an ongoing local planning issue.
Know Ward 2
Ward 2: what you need to know
Boundaries: Ward 2 covers much of north-central Richmond Hill. It is bounded by Stouffville Road to the north, Bayview Avenue to the east, Major Mackenzie Drive to the south, and Yonge Street to the west.
Landmarks: Ward 2 includes the Jefferson community and several established Richmond Hill landmarks and public facilities. These include the historic Jefferson Schoolhouse, Town Park, Elgin Barrow Arena, Centennial Pool, and the Richmond Hill GO station area.
Issues: One of the major planning issues in Ward 2 is the future of the Newkirk area around Major Mackenzie Drive East, Newkirk Road, and Richmond Hill GO station. The City plans for this area to become a denser, mixed-use, transit-oriented community. As redevelopment occurs, important questions include how much and what kind of housing is built, the future of existing employment and rental properties, and whether parks, transportation, and other infrastructure keep pace with growth.
Know Ward 3
Ward 3: what you need to know
Boundaries: Ward 3 covers much of northeastern Richmond Hill. It is bounded by Stouffville Road to the north, Highway 404 to the east, 16th Avenue to the south, and Bayview Avenue to the west.
Landmarks: Ward 3 is home to Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park, the largest park in Richmond Hill and the site of major community events such as Canada Day celebrations and Ribfest. The park also includes Tom Graham Arena, the Richmond Green Sports Dome, sports fields, baseball diamonds, a skate park, trails, splash pad and the historic Boynton House. Other community facilities in the ward include Rouge Woods Community Centre and Ed Sackfield Arena and Fitness Centre.
Issues: Growth in the North Leslie area is one of Ward 3’s important planning issues. The area is planned for thousands of homes as well as employment and institutional uses, while also containing environmentally sensitive lands and groundwater features that require protection. Development proposals along Leslie Street continue to raise questions about building height, density, traffic, infrastructure and how growth can be accommodated while protecting the area’s natural features.
Know Ward 4
Ward 4: what you need to know
Boundaries: Ward 4 covers much of west-central Richmond Hill. It is bounded by Jefferson Sideroad to the north, Yonge Street to the east, Major Mackenzie Drive to the south, and Bathurst Street to the west.
Landmarks: Ward 4 is home to Mill Pond Park, one of Richmond Hill’s best-known parks and the site of events such as the Winter Carnival and Concerts in the Park. The ward also includes The Wave Pool on Hopkins Street, a major indoor recreation facility, along with established neighbourhoods stretching between Yonge Street and Bathurst Street.
Issues: A major current development issue in Ward 4 is a proposal at 10594 Yonge Street for a 30-storey mixed-use tower with 291 apartments and ground-floor commercial space. The proposal is significantly taller and denser than much of the surrounding area, making questions about height, density, traffic, parking, and how Yonge Street should grow especially relevant for Ward 4 residents.
Know Ward 5
Ward 5: what you need to know
Boundaries: Ward 5 covers much of central and southwest Richmond Hill. It is bounded by Major Mackenzie Drive to the north, Bayview Avenue and Yonge Street to the east, Highway 7 to the south, and Bathurst Street and Weldrick Road to the west.
Landmarks: Ward 5 includes several of Richmond Hill’s most recognizable places. The David Dunlap Observatory, a National Historic Site with Canada’s largest telescope, sits within a large park and heritage landscape. The ward also includes the Richmond Hill Central Library and the new Dave Barrow Civic Square at Yonge Street and Major Mackenzie Drive.
Issues: One of the biggest growth issues affecting Ward 5 is Richmond Hill Centre, around Yonge Street and Highway 7. The City plans for this area to become Richmond Hill’s new downtown and major transit hub, with high-density housing, businesses, public spaces and future subway service. At full build-out, the planning area could accommodate up to about 51,000 residents and at least 10,000 jobs, making questions about building heights, traffic, public space, infrastructure and how well the new community connects with surrounding neighbourhoods especially important.
Know Ward 6
Ward 6: what you need to know
Boundaries: Ward 6 covers much of southeastern Richmond Hill. It is bounded by Weldrick Road East and 16th Avenue to the north, Highway 404 to the east, Highway 7 to the south, and Yonge Street to the west.
Landmarks: Ward 6 includes several major civic and recreation destinations, including the Richmond Hill Municipal Offices at 225 East Beaver Creek Road, Bayview Hill Community Centre and Pool, Ed Sackfield Arena and Fitness Centre, and Elvis Stojko Arena on 16th Avenue.
Issues: One of the biggest current planning issues in Ward 6 is the future of the East Beaver Creek and Highway 7 area. The City is preparing a Secondary Plan to transform this largely commercial and employment area into a denser, mixed-use, transit-oriented centre with new housing, businesses, parks and streets. A major proposal in the area includes eight towers ranging from 39 to 49 storeys and more than 3,700 residential units, making building height, density, traffic, public space and the future of existing employment lands important questions for Ward 6 residents.
Candidates & Roles
Who’s on Your Ballot?
Your ballot will include several positions that represent you at the municipal and school board levels. Richmond Hill voters will elect one Mayor, who represents the entire city; two Regional and Local Councillors, who represent Richmond Hill on both City Council and York Regional Council; and one Ward Councillor, who represents the ward where you live. Depending on your school board support, you may also vote for a School Board Trustee to represent you on the English public, English Catholic, French public, or French Catholic school board. The candidates for Ward Councillor and, in some cases, School Board Trustee will depend on where you live.
Note: the two York Catholic District School Board trustee positions in Richmond Hill have already been acclaimed, so there will be no contest for those positions.
Choose a role below to see the candidates running for that position.
LEADING THE CITY
Who’s Running for Mayor?
The Mayor is the head of Richmond Hill City Council and the city’s chief executive officer. The Mayor chairs Council meetings, provides leadership to Council, represents Richmond Hill at official functions, and helps set priorities for the city. Like other members of Council, the Mayor votes on decisions affecting services, development, infrastructure and the City’s finances. Richmond Hill’s Mayor also has additional Strong Mayor powers under Ontario law, including proposing the City budget, appointing the City Manager and certain senior officials, reorganizing parts of the municipal administration, and bringing forward or vetoing certain matters related to provincial priorities. Some of these powers can be delegated. The Mayor is elected city-wide, meaning every eligible Richmond Hill voter can vote for one candidate, regardless of which ward they live in. The term of office is four years.
Below are the candidates running to be Mayor of Richmond Hill for the next term.
Bardari, Domenic

Incumbent: No
Domenic Bardari is a Richmond Hill mayoral candidate who also ran for mayor in 2022. His previous public candidate responses addressed affordable rental housing, energy efficiency in buildings, and long-term maintenance of civic spaces such as parks, libraries, and streets.
Devnani, Holo

Incumbent: No
Holo Devnani is a Richmond Hill resident and former mayoral candidate. His background includes studies in physics, medical physics, finance and condominium law, along with experience in data consulting and condominium governance. He has also responded publicly to civic issues including housing, climate action and public space.
West, David

Incumbent: Yes
David West is Richmond Hill’s mayor, elected in a 2022 by-election after serving more than eight years as Ward 4 councillor. His website highlights community engagement, environmental sustainability, arts and culture, collaboration, diversity and inclusion, city services, and community safety as areas of focus.
CITY-WIDE ROLE
Regional and Local Councillors
Richmond Hill elects two Regional and Local Councillors, who have a unique role because they serve on both Richmond Hill City Council and York Regional Council. At the City level, they vote on the same municipal matters as other members of Council. At the Regional level, they help make decisions on services that are managed across York Region, including York Regional Police, YRT and Viva transit, paramedic services, public health, social housing and services, and major regional roads.
Both positions are elected city-wide, so every eligible Richmond Hill voter can vote for up to two candidates, regardless of which ward they live in. The term of office is four years, and the next term runs from November 15, 2026 to November 14, 2030. Below are the candidates running to represent Richmond Hill as Regional and Local Councillors for the next term.
Chan, Godwin

Incumbent: Yes
Godwin Chan is Richmond Hill’s Deputy Mayor and Regional and Local Councillor. First elected in 2006, his website highlights work in policing, education, public health, road safety, economic development, housing, transit, the David Dunlap Observatory, and age-friendly services. He holds law and public administration degrees.
Coletta, Marco

Incumbent: No
Marco Coletta is a Richmond Hill council candidate and former 2022 Regional and Local Council candidate. His public profiles list Richmond Hill as his location, York University education, property management experience, and past involvement seeking the federal NDP nomination in Markham–Thornhill.
DiPaola, Joe

Incumbent: Yes
Joe DiPaola is a Richmond Hill Regional and Local Councillor, first elected in 1997. He previously served as Ward 6 councillor, deputy mayor and acting mayor, and has been involved in committees related to budget, planning, housing, road safety, community events, heritage, and accessibility.
YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE
Ward 1 Councillor
Richmond Hill is divided into six wards, and each ward elects one Ward Councillor to represent the people who live there. Ward Councillors sit on City Council and vote on decisions affecting the entire city, including the budget, property taxes, development, roads, parks, recreation and other municipal services. They also play an important role in bringing neighbourhood concerns to City Hall and helping residents navigate local issues. You can vote for one Ward Councillor in the ward where you live, and the term of office is four years. Below, choose your ward to see the candidates running to represent you on Richmond Hill City Council.
Davidson, Carol

Incumbent: Yes
Carol Davidson is Richmond Hill’s Ward 1 councillor for Oak Ridges. A longtime resident and former CTV journalist, she has also worked in consulting, research, and federal contracts. Her council priorities include growth management, traffic calming, park infrastructure, and resident engagement through the Ward 1 Civic Engagement Committee.
DellErba, Catherine

Incumbent: No
Catherine Dell'Erba (also spelled Dellerba) is a political candidate, homeschool leader, and community activist in Richmond Hill, Ontario. She ran as the Ontario Party candidate for Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill in the 2022 provincial election and ran for Ward 1 city councillor in Richmond Hill the same year.
Dodaro, Raymond

Incumbent: No
Raymond Dodaro is a municipal candidate running for city council in the upcoming 2026 election in Richmond Hill. Professionally, he works as a project supervisor at Del Greco Project Management, where he oversees various construction and development projects. His platform focuses on community development and local governance initiatives.
Nardone, Giovanni

Incumbent: No
Giovanni Nardone is a Richmond Hill Ward 1 council candidate. Public profiles identify him as Giovanni Antonio Nardone, a Richmond Hill-based private clothier and founder of Ventidue Apparel, with education at Cardinal Carter Catholic High School.
YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE
Ward 2 Councillor
Richmond Hill is divided into six wards, and each ward elects one Ward Councillor to represent the people who live there. Ward Councillors sit on City Council and vote on decisions affecting the entire city, including the budget, property taxes, development, roads, parks, recreation and other municipal services. They also play an important role in bringing neighbourhood concerns to City Hall and helping residents navigate local issues. You can vote for one Ward Councillor in the ward where you live, and the term of office is four years. Below, choose your ward to see the candidates running to represent you on Richmond Hill City Council.
Kermalli, Muhammad

Incumbent: No
Muhammad Kermalli is a Richmond Hill entrepreneur and community leader. Founder of SKAILIT, he is a former chair of the Richmond Hill Board of Trade and has been involved with local business, workplace, and community initiatives, including Hill House Hospice and Well at Work.
Kheirkhah Ghehi, Hamidreza

Incumbent: No
Hamidreza Kheirkhah Ghehi is a Richmond Hill Ward 2 council candidate, listed by the City as having filed nomination papers on July 10, 2026. His campaign posts describe a focus on direct resident contact, listening to residents, and Ward 2 issues.
Lee, Sigmund

Incumbent: No
Sigmund Lee is a Richmond Hill Ward 2 council candidate and CPA/FCA with more than 30 years of experience in finance, auditing, oversight, and accountability. A longtime Richmond Hill resident, he has identified municipal spending, financial oversight, and taxpayer value among the issues of interest in his campaign.
Muench, Tom

Incumbent: No
Tom Muench is a former Richmond Hill Ward 2 councillor who served from 2014 to 2022. He later ran for the Green Party in Aurora–Oak Ridges–Richmond Hill and is vice-president of government relations at United Chargers, a Richmond Hill-based electric vehicle charger manufacturer.
Thompson, Scott

Incumbent: Yes
Scott Thompson serves as the Ward 2 Councillor for the [City of Richmond Hill, Ontario, having been elected in 2022. Prior to his election, he spent 37 years working in municipal public administration. His council focus areas include local heritage preservation, municipal park infrastructure management, and environmental initiatives within the community.
YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE
Ward 3 Councillor
Richmond Hill is divided into six wards, and each ward elects one Ward Councillor to represent the people who live there. Ward Councillors sit on City Council and vote on decisions affecting the entire city, including the budget, property taxes, development, roads, parks, recreation and other municipal services. They also play an important role in bringing neighbourhood concerns to City Hall and helping residents navigate local issues. You can vote for one Ward Councillor in the ward where you live, and the term of office is four years. Below, choose your ward to see the candidates running to represent you on Richmond Hill City Council.
Liu, Castro

Incumbent: Yes
Castro Liu is a municipal politician currently serving as the Ward 3 Councillor for Richmond Hill, Ontario. He is in his fourth consecutive term on the Richmond Hill City Council, having first won his seat in the 2010 municipal elections.
Yeung, Juni

Incumbent: No
Juni L. Yeung is a Chinese cultural historian and author based in Richmond Hill, Ontario. She holds a Master’s degree in History from the University of Toronto. Yeung is the co-founder of the Hanfu Movement of Eastern Canada, chairs the Toronto Guqin Society, and has contested local and federal elections.
YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE
Ward 4 Councillor
Richmond Hill is divided into six wards, and each ward elects one Ward Councillor to represent the people who live there. Ward Councillors sit on City Council and vote on decisions affecting the entire city, including the budget, property taxes, development, roads, parks, recreation and other municipal services. They also play an important role in bringing neighbourhood concerns to City Hall and helping residents navigate local issues. You can vote for one Ward Councillor in the ward where you live, and the term of office is four years. Below, choose your ward to see the candidates running to represent you on Richmond Hill City Council.
Amanullah, Ahmad

Incumbent: No
Ahmad Amanullah is an officially certified candidate for Ward 4 Councillor in the 2026 Richmond Hill municipal election. A York University alumnus, he previously applied for the Ward 4 council appointment in 2022. His platform focuses on local municipal governance, community development, and addressing civic priorities within the ward.
Chisholm-Sharon

Incumbent: No
Sharon Chisholm is a Richmond Hill Ward 4 council candidate. Her campaign materials highlight environmental planning, tree planting, walkable neighbourhoods, growth-related infrastructure, community events, public spaces, local business support, resident engagement, and full-time council service as central priorities for her campaign.
Cui, Simon

Incumbent: Yes
Simon Cui's website lists his committee roles, including the Heritage Centre Advisory Committee, Economic Development Committee, Official Plan Update Committee, Village of Richmond Hill BIA Board, and Budget Committee of the Whole. His stated 2026 objectives include service engagement, neighbourhood safety, traffic safety, and urban forestry protection.
Weinberg, Rose

Incumbent: No
Rose Weinberg is a Richmond Hill Ward 4 council candidate. Her website describes her as a 40-year Ward 4 resident with experience at City Hall and a background in community organizing, charitable work, resident engagement, transparency, accountability, collaboration, public services, neighbourhood-building, and community-led initiatives.
Yoon, Danny

Incumbent: No
Danny Yoon is a Richmond Hill Ward 4 council candidate with a background in information technology, design, and business technology solutions. His campaign website describes experience developing systems for major organizations and identifies priorities including transparent decision-making, practical problem-solving, stronger community engagement, local business support, infrastructure, and responsible municipal planning.
YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE
Ward 5 Councillor
Richmond Hill is divided into six wards, and each ward elects one Ward Councillor to represent the people who live there. Ward Councillors sit on City Council and vote on decisions affecting the entire city, including the budget, property taxes, development, roads, parks, recreation and other municipal services. They also play an important role in bringing neighbourhood concerns to City Hall and helping residents navigate local issues. You can vote for one Ward Councillor in the ward where you live, and the term of office is four years. Below, choose your ward to see the candidates running to represent you on Richmond Hill City Council.
Behroozian, Ray

Incumbent: No
Ray Behroozian has been part of the Richmond Hill community for almost 30 years. An entrepreneur, real-estate investor, and engineer by background, he has raised his family locally and served eight years as president of a residential and commercial condominium board.
Benedziktavich, Yuliya

Incumbent: No
Yuliya Benedziktavich is a Richmond Hill-based entrepreneur and public administration specialist with a Bachelor of Health Studies from York University. Professionally, she focuses on supply chain development for consumer goods supplied to Canadian retail chains and pharmacies.
Cilevitz, Karen

Incumbent: Yes
Karen Cilevitz is Richmond Hill’s Ward 5 councillor, first elected in 2014 and now serving her third consecutive term. Her website describes her as a longtime community volunteer and former DDO Defenders chair, with a focus on resident engagement, greenspace conservation, wildlife protection, and ward-level municipal issues.
Jafari, Alex

Incumbent: No
We were unable to find any reliable info on Alex Jafari.
Mahboub-Shadkhou, Ali

Incumbent: No
Not available.
Murano, Vera

Incumbent: No
Vera Murano is a longtime Richmond Hill resident and returning municipal candidate. In a 2018 candidate profile, she said she had lived in Richmond Hill for more than 20 years, served as chair and vice-chair on Catholic school councils, worked at York University, and had degrees in administration and religious studies. She ran for York Catholic District School Board trustee in 2018 and for Ward 5 councillor in 2022.
Paulin, Marty

Incumbent: No
Marty Paulin is a Richmond Hill Ward 5 council candidate, University of Toronto graduate, retired Bell Canada technical support manager, and local volunteer. His website cites more than 20 years of community involvement, including Richmond Hill Road Watch leadership, road safety work, and recognition from Richmond Hill and Ontario’s transportation ministry.
Rupp, Richard

Incumbent: No
Richard Rupp is a Richmond Hill resident with a background in public affairs, government relations, campaign management, and political commentary. His website says he studied political science and economics, has lived in Richmond Hill for over 20 years, and has managed federal, provincial, and municipal campaigns.
YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE
Ward 6 Councillor
Richmond Hill is divided into six wards, and each ward elects one Ward Councillor to represent the people who live there. Ward Councillors sit on City Council and vote on decisions affecting the entire city, including the budget, property taxes, development, roads, parks, recreation and other municipal services. They also play an important role in bringing neighbourhood concerns to City Hall and helping residents navigate local issues. You can vote for one Ward Councillor in the ward where you live, and the term of office is four years. Below, choose your ward to see the candidates running to represent you on Richmond Hill City Council.
Anasory, Hasti

Incumbent: No
Hasti Anasory is a Richmond Hill Ward 6 council candidate. Her campaign website identifies smart growth, innovation, youth opportunity, and vibrant communities as key priorities, with a focus on local economic development, youth engagement, infrastructure planning, public spaces, community events, and making Richmond Hill more active and connected.
Mendonca, Andrew

Incumbent: No
Andrew Mendonca is a candidate running for Ward 6 Councillor in the City of Richmond Hill's 2026 election. His campaign focuses on community engagement and local initiatives.
Shiu, Michael

Incumbent: Yes
Michael Shiu is Richmond Hill’s Ward 6 councillor. His City profile describes him as a marketing and communications graduate with more than 25 years in media, including TV and radio journalism. He has also worked in a provincial constituency office, community outreach, and volunteered with local organizations.
Compare your choices
How would you like to compare?
Comparing candidates means looking beyond campaign slogans. You can begin with the issues that matter most to you, compare candidate positions side by side, hear candidates explain their ideas in debates and interviews, ask them questions directly, and examine their experience or public record. Choose an option below to explore the candidates in the way that is most useful to you.
Start with your priorities
What issues matter to you?
Municipal decisions shape everyday life, but not every issue matters equally to every voter. STRH has organized candidate interviews, questionnaire responses and information from public sources by issue, making it easier to see where candidates agree, where they differ and where they have not taken a clear position. Choose the topics that matter most to you, then use our issue pages to compare what the candidates have said and what the available evidence shows.
See where they stand
Compare candidates side by side
Campaign promises are easier to evaluate when candidates’ positions are placed side by side. STRH’s comparison brings together candidate questionnaire responses, publicly available policy positions, campaign platforms and statements, and relevant public records. Sources are identified so you can distinguish between information provided directly by candidates and information gathered through independent research.
Use the comparison tool to focus on the issues that matter to you and see where candidates agree, where they differ and where they have not expressed a clear position.
Go beyond the written platform
Hear candidates in their own words
Comparisons and campaign platforms can tell you where candidates stand, but hearing them speak can reveal something more: how well they understand the City, how clearly they explain their ideas and how they respond when challenged.
You can hear from candidates in several ways:
- Attend an all-candidates debate
- Follow Marj André’s Candidate Conversations
- Visit candidate websites and social-media accounts (Return to Step 2, the blue Know Your Ballot stop, choose a ward and select a candidate’s name to open their profile, where you will find their campaign information, website and social-media accounts.)
- Speak with candidates when they knock on your door or attend a community event
Remember that candidate websites, social-media posts and campaign materials present what candidates want voters to know. Consider them alongside independent reporting, policy comparisons and relevant public records.
Dates for your calendar
Hear the candidates in person
Debates and public events give you an opportunity to compare candidates in the same setting, hear how they explain their priorities and see how they respond to questions. Richmond Hill voters currently have the following opportunities:
Richmond Hill Board of Trade All-Candidates Debates
All events run from 5 to 9 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 6: Richvale Gymnasium, Ward 3, 5 and 6 candidates
- Wednesday, October 7: Bond Lake, Norm Taylor Room, Ward 1, 2 and 4 candidates
- Thursday, October 8: Langstaff Gym C, mayoral, regional and local councillor, and school board trustee candidates
Richmond Hill Public Library: Municipal Election, Meet the Candidates
- Thursday, October 15
- 6:30 to 8 p.m.
- Central Branch
Event details may change, so check the organizers’ websites before attending.
Go beyond the promise
Ask questions that reveal more
A good question moves the conversation beyond slogans and into practical details. Whether you meet a candidate at your door, at a debate or during a community event, ask questions that reveal what they would actually do, whether the City has the authority to do it and what residents might gain or give up.
Questions worth asking include:
- What specific problem would your proposal solve?
- What action would you ask Council to take?
- Is this something Richmond Hill Council can control?
- What would it cost, and how would you pay for it?
- What trade-offs would residents have to accept?
- How would you measure whether it worked?
- How would you work with councillors who disagree with you?
You do not need to ask every question. Choose one or two related to the issue that matters most to you, then listen for a clear answer that addresses authority, cost, trade-offs and measurable results.
Track record
Check the evidence, not just the promises
Campaigns focus on what candidates say they will do. A track record helps you examine what they have already done, how well they understand municipal government and whether their experience supports their promises.
For candidates who have served on Council, consider:
- What issues have they advocated for?
- What motions have they introduced or supported?
- How have they voted on important decisions?
- How have they responded to residents’ concerns?
- What results can they point to?
For candidates who have not served on Council, consider their community and professional experience, previous public statements, understanding of municipal responsibilities, and ability to explain the costs and trade-offs behind their proposals.
STRH candidate profiles bring together relevant information found in public sources. You can also consult Council agendas, minutes and meeting recordings, along with candidate platforms and independent reporting. No single source tells the whole story, so compare claims with evidence wherever possible.
Before you decide
Give your choices a final check
You do not have to agree with a candidate on every issue. The goal is to choose people whose priorities, judgment and plans you understand. Before making your final decisions, consider whether each candidate meets the standards that matter to you.
Checklist:
- I understand the candidate’s priorities and positions.
- Their proposals address real Richmond Hill concerns.
- Their promises fall within the authority of the City or the office they are seeking.
- Their plans are specific, realistic and supported by an explanation of costs and trade-offs.
- Their experience or public record supports what they are promising.
- I believe they will listen to residents and work respectfully with others.
Being unable to check every box does not automatically rule out a candidate. It may simply show you where another question or a little more research is needed. When you feel informed enough to make your choices, the next step is deciding how and when you will vote.
MAKE YOUR VOTING PLAN
How will you vote?
Choose the way that works best for you.
Voting is easier when you make a plan ahead of time. Richmond Hill voters can vote online or cast a paper ballot in person at a Vote Centre.
Choose a path below to see the dates, what you will need and the steps to follow. Not sure which method is right for you? Compare the two options before deciding.
HELP ME CHOOSE
Online or in person?
Compare the two options and choose what works best for you.
Both methods let you cast the same ballot. The difference is how, when and where you vote.
| Vote online if you prefer: | Vote in person if you prefer: |
| • Voting from home or another private location • Choosing your own time between October 20 and October 26 • Avoiding travel or waiting at a Vote Centre • Using your own internet-connected device • You will need the online voting information provided in your Voter Information Package. | • Marking a paper ballot • Receiving assistance from an election official • Voting at any of Richmond Hill’s seven Vote Centres • Voting on October 24, 25 or 26 • You should review the identification requirements before visiting a Vote Centre. |
There is no better method for everyone. Choose the option that feels most convenient and comfortable for you.
VOTE ONLINE
Vote from wherever you are
Choose a convenient time during the online voting period.
Online voting begins on Tuesday, October 20 at 10 a.m. and ends on Monday, October 26 at 8 p.m.
Before voting:
- Make sure you are on the Voters’ List.
- Keep your Voter Information Package somewhere safe.
- Follow the online voting instructions provided in your package.
- Vote from a private place where you can make your choices without assistance or influence.
Try not to leave it until the final hour. Choosing an earlier day gives you time to get help or vote in person if you encounter a problem.
If your package does not arrive, its information is incorrect or you have difficulty voting online, the City’s Elections staff can help. Call the City’s Elections Office at 905-771-8800.
VOTE IN PERSON
Prefer to cast a paper ballot?
Choose a day and Vote Centre that work for you.
In-person voting will be available at Richmond Hill Vote Centres on:
Saturday, October 24: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, October 25: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday, October 26: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
You may vote at any Vote Centre in Richmond Hill, so choose the location that is most convenient for you. You are not limited to a Vote Centre in your own ward.
Before leaving, review the City’s identification requirements and bring acceptable identification showing your name and Richmond Hill address. If you received a Voter Information Package, keep it handy as well.
Choose your preferred Vote Centre next, then decide which day and approximate time you plan to vote.
CHOOSE A VOTE CENTRE
Seven locations. Choose any one.
You are not limited to the Vote Centre in your ward.
Richmond Hill voters may attend any Vote Centre in the city to cast a paper ballot, use an online voting station or request a change to the Voters’ List.
Choose the location that is most convenient for you:
- Oak Ridges Community Centre
12895 Bayview Avenue - Elgin Barrow Arena
43 Church Street South - Bayview Hill Community Centre
114 Spadina Road - Richmond Green Sports Centre
1300 Elgin Mills Road East - Elgin West Community Centre
11099 Bathurst Street - Richvale Community Centre
160 Avenue Road - Langstaff Community Centre
155 Red Maple Road
The ward associated with each location only describes where the Vote Centre is located. It does not restrict where you may vote.
Before Voting Day, check your route, travel time and the identification you plan to bring.
CHECK YOUR IDENTIFICATION
What ID should I bring?
Photo identification is not required.
Bring one accepted document showing both your name and qualifying Richmond Hill address.
Common examples include:
- Ontario driver’s licence or Ontario Photo Card
- Ontario vehicle permit
- Lease or rental agreement
- Property-tax assessment
- Bank or credit-card statement
- Income-tax assessment or employer-issued pay statement
Your Voter Information Package is not identification, and a document showing your name but not your qualifying address is not enough on its own.
If you do not have suitable identification, ask an election official about completing a Declaration of Identity.
VOTING HELP
Ran into a voting problem?
Help is available before and during the voting period.
Contact Richmond Hill Elections if:
- Your Voter Information Package did not arrive or was lost.
- Your name or address is incorrect on the Voters’ List.
- You cannot access or complete online voting.
- You do not have suitable identification.
- You need accessibility assistance.
- You have another question about casting your ballot.
You can also visit any Richmond Hill Vote Centre to request a change to the Voters’ List, use an online voting station or ask an election official for assistance.
For help, call 905-771-8800 or email access@richmondhill.ca.
Never give your online voting PIN, password or completed voting choices to anyone offering assistance.
FINAL CHECKLIST
Ready to vote?
Take one last look before completing your election journey.
You do not need to memorize everything. Just make sure you know what you will do next.
- I have confirmed that I am eligible to vote.
- I have checked the Voters’ List and my information is correct.
- I know my ward and what positions will appear on my ballot.
- I have reviewed and compared the candidates.
- I have chosen to vote online or in person.
- I know the day and approximate time I plan to vote.
- If voting in person, I have chosen a Vote Centre and checked my route.
- If voting in person, I have an accepted identification document ready.
- I have a backup plan if my first choice does not work.
Voting Day is Monday, October 26, 2026. Online voting and in-person voting both close at 8 p.m.
Your plan does not need to be complicated. Choosing when and how you will vote makes you much more likely to follow through.