Higher Wages for Election Officials

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The draft Regulation amending the Regulation respecting the tariff of remuneration payable for municipal elections and referendums seeks to adjust the remuneration provided to officials involved in administering municipal elections and referendums in Quebec. Issued under the Act respecting elections and referendums in municipalities (chapter E-2.2), the draft specifies updates to the compensation for returning officers and other key personnel managing polling operations. This amendment falls under sections 10 and 11 of the Regulations Act, allowing the Minister of Municipal Affairs to make such regulatory changes. The proposed amendments directly impact the remuneration of returning officers and clerks for advance and general polling days, setting the amount at $432 per day for each polling station overseen.

The number of election workers needed to run an election in Quebec depends on the size and scope of the election, including the number of polling stations, advance polling days, and the population being served. A typical municipal election in Quebec can involve hundreds to thousands of polling stations, with each station requiring a returning officer (or deputy returning officer), one or two polling clerks, and additional staff for logistical roles such as greeters, security, or supervisors. Beyond polling stations, central operations require staff for tasks like election management, communications, and the tabulation of results. Advance polling locations also require similar staffing levels as regular polling stations.

Smaller municipalities with populations under 10,000 may need approximately 50 to 200 workers, including polling stations and central operations staff. Medium-sized municipalities with populations between 10,000 and 100,000 typically require around 200 to 1,000 workers. Large municipalities, such as Montreal or Quebec City, may need between 2,000 and 10,000 workers, depending on the number of polling locations and advance polling days. These figures include returning officers, clerks, logistics teams, and supervisors and are scaled based on voter turnout expectations, geographical area, and logistical complexity.

The draft highlights procedural and administrative adjustments, including replacing sections 2 and 24 of the existing regulation. These changes establish consistent pay rates for returning officers and clerks or clerk-treasurers responsible for overseeing elections or referendums. The updated remuneration is aimed at ensuring equitable and standardized compensation for the responsibilities carried out by these officials, reflecting the essential role they play in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

Interested parties, including citizens and stakeholders, are invited to provide feedback on the proposed regulation within a 45-day consultation period. The public consultation is a critical element of regulatory development, allowing for the incorporation of diverse perspectives before the regulation is finalized.

By aligning the regulation with current needs and administrative realities, the amendment seeks to reinforce the efficiency and fairness of municipal elections and referendums in Quebec.

Quebec (Draft) January 8, 2025