RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – Richmond will have a new mayor next year, but who wins doesn’t need to get the most votes – and there’s always the chance of a runoff. The candidate who gets the most votes in at least five of nine City Council districts wins the race, per the city charter. If no one wins at least five districts, the two candidates with the most votes citywide head to a runoff election “on the sixth Tuesday” after the election. While a runoff has never been needed since Richmond switched to the elected mayor system in 2003, if one is held for the Nov. 5 election it would be on Dec. 17. Per Richmond’s city charter, write-in votes don’t count in a runoff and the winner still must get the most votes in at least five districts. In case there’s a tie, the candidate with the most votes citywide in the runoff will be elected mayor. VOTER GUIDE: Richmond Mayoral Candidates 2024 Richmond voters approved a referendum in 2003 to switch to the system in the city charter, which was approved by the Virginia General Assembly and the Justice Department. In this year’s mayoral race, five candidates are running to succeed Mayor Levar Stoney, who is barred from running for a third consecutive term under the city charter. Election Day is Nov. 5, but Virginia voters have -- and can still -- cast their ballots early. Voters can read 8News' interviews with each mayoral candidate to learn more about their experiences, campaigns, policies and plans ahead of the Nov. 5 election.