In this section
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 will be able to launch a showcase of information about their candidates. They will also be able to use a new ballot paper template including a photograph of each candidate. These pilot projects are made possible through an agreement between the municipality concerned, the ministre des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation and the Chief Electoral Officer.
Montréal-only pilot project: student voting on campus
The Ville de Montréal offers the opportunity to vote on CEGEP and university campuses with at least 4,000 students. This pilot project, conducted in collaboration with Élections Montréal, is aimed primarily at Montréal students. It also enables anyone entered on the list of electors of the metropolitan area who attends the establishments concerned to exercise their right to vote. Only Montréal electors will be able to vote on a campus. For example, a student whose domicile is in a neighbouring municipality will not be able to vote on their Montréal campus. For more information on this pilot project, please contact Élections Montréal.
Information showcase presenting the profile of candidates
Introduction
Municipalities participating in this pilot project will be able to post information about candidates and their photograph on their website or related platform. Each candidate will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and share their main ideas with the electors of the municipality.
Objectives
- Increasing interest in municipal democracy
- Promote access to quality information about candidates
- Give candidates visibility on a neutral and fair Web platform
Details
- The platform presents candidates in alphabetical order for each seat to be filled.
- The text provided by the candidate must meet certain standards. For example:
- It may not adversely affect others, in particular through defamatory, hateful, false, or misleading statements.
- It must respect the maximum number of established characters.
- The returning officer must reject any text or photograph that contravenes the established standards. They do not check the accuracy or spelling of the text provided.
- The municipality is responsible for managing and posting information about candidates.
- Participation in the showcase is optional. The words “not available” will appear under the name of the candidates who do not provide information.
To participate
- Any municipality wanting to participate in this pilot project must have a resolution adopted by its council by July 31, 2025. The returning officer can then sign an agreement with the ministre des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation and the Chief Electoral Officer.
- Candidates from participating municipalities have until 4:30 p.m. on October 6 to submit their text and photograph to their returning officer.
List of participating municipalities
The list of municipalities that have confirmed their intention to participate in this pilot project will be posted on our website in September.
Ballot papers with photos
Introduction
Participating municipalities will be 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 are voting for.
Details
- Candidates must submit a printed photograph with their nomination papers for them to be accepted. The photograph may be in electronic format if authorized by the returning officer.
- The returning officer is responsible for managing the printing of ballot papers.
To participate
- Any municipality wanting to participate in this pilot project must have a resolution adopted by its council by July 31, 2025. The returning officer can then sign an agreement with the ministre des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation and the Chief Electoral Officer.
- Candidates from municipalities participating in the pilot project must submit their photograph when filing their nomination papers, no later than 4:30 p.m. on October 3.
List of participating municipalities
The list of municipalities that have confirmed their intention to participate in this pilot project will be posted on our website in September.