Québec, March 27, 2003 –– Québec’s Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Marcel Blanchet, wishes to inform certain categories of electors residing temporarily away from home that they may elect to exercise their right to vote in either the polling subdivision in which their domicile is located, or the polling subdivision in which they are residing temporarily. If they opt for the latter, it is there that their vote will be counted.
Students and workers
This special measure is aimed at electors residing temporarily away from home in order to study or work in another riding. They may elect to vote in either of the ridings concerned.
Electors receiving health care in a public institution
The same choice is available to electors who are hospitalized or residing in a long-term residential care centre, a rehabilitation centre or a reception centre, provided the institution in question is public – in other words, recognized by the Act respecting health services and social services. This measure does not apply to electors residing in private institutions.
Electors residing temporarily away from home in order to receive health care or follow a rehabilitation program (but not necessarily residing in a health care institution), or to ensure their own safety or that of their children, may also elect to exercise their right to vote either in the riding in which they are domiciled, or that in which they are residing temporarily.
Where, when and how?
All electors are personally responsible for ensuring that their names are entered on the list of electors, and those who wish to make the above choice must submit an application.
The application may be made at the revision office whose address appears on the back of the notice of entry received by all electors in the last few days. At the office, electors will be required to present two proofs of identity, one showing their name and date of birth, and the other their name and address.
During the revision period, which extends from March 24 to April 1, 2003, an application may be made by a relative, spouse or person living with the elector who wishes to amend his or her entry on the list of electors. The revision office is open for applications every day during the revision period, between 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Individuals who are unable to travel may submit a written application by completing the form in the leaflet entitled "If You Cannot Travel", available from hospitals, the public residential institutions mentioned earlier, and all offices of returning officers.
Additional time
Electors who are unable to make their applications during the revision period will have a second chance during the special revision period, from April 2 to 9 inclusively, between 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. every day.
During this period, however, the elector must make the application himself or herself.
Electors who apply for changes to the list of electors (entries or corrections) during the special revision period will be able to vote only on polling day, i.e. Monday, April 14, and not in the advance poll.
For further information
Full information on the eligibility criteria and method of selecting the riding in which to vote may be obtained by contacting the office of the returning officer for the riding in question, by consulting the Chief Electoral Officer’s website (www.electionsquebec.qc.ca), or by contacting the Information Centre at the following numbers:
(418) 528-0422 – calls from the Québec City region
1 888 ÉLECTION (1 888 353-2846) – calls from other regions
(418) 646-0644 or 1 800 537-0644 – TDD service
