Pilot projects during municipal elections

When an election is held, the Act respecting elections and referendums in municipalities allows for the testing of new methods to ensure the evolution of electoral practices.

During the November 2, 2025, general election, municipalities were able to launch a showcase of information about their candidates. They were also able to use a new ballot paper template including a photograph of each candidate. These pilot projects were made possible through an agreement between each municipality concerned, the ministre des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation and the Chief Electoral Officer.

Information showcase presenting the profile of candidates

Introduction

Municipalities participating in this pilot project were able to post information about candidates and their photograph on their website or related platform. Each candidate had the opportunity to introduce themselves and share their main ideas with the electors of the municipality.

Objectives

• Increase interest in municipal democracy
• Promote access to quality information about candidates
• Give candidates visibility on a neutral and fair Web platform

Details

• The platform presented candidates in alphabetical order for each seat to be filled.
• The text provided by the candidate had to meet certain standards. For example:
  • It could not adversely affect others, in particular through defamatory, hateful, false, or misleading statements.
  • It had to respect the maximum number of established characters.
• The returning officer had to reject any text or photograph that contravened the established standards. They did not check the accuracy nor the spelling of the text provided.
• The municipality was responsible for managing and posting information about candidates.
• Participation in the showcase was optional. The words “not available” appeared under the name of the candidates who did not provide information.

Ballot papers with photos

Introduction

Participating municipalities were able to include photographs of candidates for each seat up for election on their ballot papers. Ballot papers with photos are used in provincial elections since 2012.

Purpose

Make it easier for electors to identify the person they vote for.

Details

• Candidates had to submit a printed photograph with their nomination papers for them to be accepted. The photograph could be in electronic format if authorized by the returning officer.
• The returning officer was responsible for managing the printing of ballot papers.