This Sunday, Quebec will witness its municipal elections as residents head to the polls to choose their local representatives. Candidates range from newcomers to those seeking re-election in competitive races.
Where and When to Vote
Polling stations will be accessible from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the province. Most voters have received a voter information card by mail detailing their polling locations. For specific information, voters in cities like Montreal, Laval, and Longueuil can check their respective city websites.
Eligibility to Vote
To participate in the municipal elections, one must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old by November 2, 2025, and a resident of Quebec for at least six months. Additionally, voters must be registered on the electoral list, which had a registration deadline of October 16. Unregistered voters will not be permitted to vote.
What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Voter Card
- Voters who have not received their information card can still cast their ballot without it.
- Visit the Élections Montréal website, enter your address, and find your polling station.
Identification Requirements
When voting, individuals must bring an acceptable form of identification, such as:
- Quebec driver’s license
- Health insurance card
- Canadian passport
- Canadian Forces identification card
Voter Turnout Trends
Recent municipal elections in Quebec have seen low voter participation. In 2021, approximately 39% of eligible Quebecers voted, a decline from about 45% in 2017. Specifically in Montreal, turnout stood at 38%, down from 42% in the previous election. Laval recorded a mere 28% turnout in 2021, while Quebec City saw higher participation at 45%.
Potential Impact of the Transit Strike
On election day, around 2,400 employees from the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) are expected to be on strike. This situation has raised concerns about accessibility for voters. The STM is negotiating with the Quebec Labour Tribunal to extend transit services on election day.
Key Issues in the 2025 Election Campaign
This year’s municipal campaigns have predominantly focused on pressing issues such as housing affordability, homelessness, and urban livability.
Notable Candidates and Their Proposals
- Soraya Martinez Ferrada (Ensemble Montréal): Advocates for change, targeting homelessness and proposed audits for bike paths.
- Luc Rabouin (Projet Montréal): Aims to create affordable housing and enhance green initiatives.
- Craig Sauvé (Transition Montréal): Plans to invest in affordable housing and homelessness initiatives.
- Gilbert Thibodeau (Action Montréal): Running for the third time, he offers a more populist approach.
- Jean-François Kacou (Futur Montréal): Another newcomer with plans to improve community services.
Upcoming Challenges for Mayoral Candidates
In addition to Montreal, various major cities in Quebec will see incumbents seeking re-election. This includes Quebec City’s Mayor Bruno Marchand and Laval’s Mayor Stéphane Boyer. Notably, candidates across these cities are preparing to tackle their own unique challenges as they strive for voter support.
As Quebec heads toward its municipal elections, the attention is firmly on candidate proposals and voter engagement strategies aimed at enhancing participation and addressing critical local issues.
