The Act respecting elections and referendums in municipalities has enabled a new agreement between Ville de Montréal, the Chief Electoral Officer of Québec, and the Minister of Municipal Affairs to test an innovative voting mechanism during the general municipal election of November 2, 2025. The purpose of this agreement is to allow the establishment of polling stations in certain educational institutions located within Montréal, particularly those with 4,000 or more students. The trial is designed primarily to encourage participation among students registered on the municipal list of electors but will also be open to all voters listed in Montréal. By creating polling opportunities in institutions such as vocational training centers, CEGEPs, universities, and other recognized educational facilities, the project aims to increase accessibility, modernize voting practices, and test whether educational institutions are effective venues for democratic engagement.

Under sections 659.2 and 659.3 of the Act, municipalities are authorized to conduct pilot projects to explore new voting methods. This agreement is made pursuant to those provisions and has the force of law. It includes amendments to the Act respecting elections and referendums in municipalities to recognize voting in educational institutions as a legitimate method alongside advance polling and regular polling. The amendments clarify the responsibilities of election officials, define polling stations in educational institutions, and establish rules for voter eligibility, ballot handling, and voting procedures.

The details of voting in educational institutions are carefully outlined. Returning officers will be permitted to establish polling stations and determine their divisions, with voting potentially held on the ninth, sixth, fifth, and fourth days preceding election day. Each voting period must last at least four consecutive hours between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Procedures for verifying voter identity will be maintained, with both election staff and designated officers overseeing the process to ensure compliance and fairness. Ballots will be initialed, distributed, and inserted into envelopes that will later be sorted and counted under the supervision of the returning officer.

The agreement also specifies the obligations of the municipality’s returning officer, who is charged with implementing the mechanism, ensuring proper administration, and submitting an evaluation report within 90 days after the election. This report will assess preparations, voter participation, advantages and disadvantages, and any recommendations for further legislative adjustments.

The initiative reflects a collaborative effort by the City of Montréal, the provincial electoral authority, and the Minister of Municipal Affairs to expand voting access, particularly for students, while testing the flexibility of Québec’s electoral framework. It represents a step toward modernizing democratic practices and fostering greater engagement in municipal governance by meeting voters where they are—in the institutions that shape their daily lives.

Quebec (Draft) September 16, 2025
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and do not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.