Skip to content
Logo
Close
Understand

Understanding voting

Voting is a simple act that keeps democracy alive. Here is all you need to know about voting.

Why vote?

Are you hesitant to get out and vote? Let us explain why this seemingly small act is so important.

How do I vote?

Find out how to vote in six simple steps, from the moment you arrive at the polling station to the moment you put your ballot in the box.

Making an informed decision when voting

It’s not always easy to make a decision when it’s time to vote. Here are a few ideas to help you make an informed choice and be vigilant about the information you consult. Don’t let false information influence your choices, whether it’s published inadvertently or deliberately, to cause confusion.

Four hours to vote

On polling day, your employer must give you at least four consecutive hours to vote, with no reduction in pay or other penalty.

Partisan publicity and persons allowed on polling station premises

Polling locations must be neutral and impartial. You should not be pressured or influenced when you go there to vote.

History of the right to vote in Québec

The right to vote in Quebec has evolved gradually over the years. Its history has been punctuated by many advances and a few setbacks. Here are the pivotal stages of its evolution.

Right of Québec women to vote and to stand for office

Enrich your knowledge of the long quest of Quebec women for political equality.

Rejected ballots

Find out why a ballot may be rejected during the counting of votes and how Québec deals with blank votes and spoiled ballots.

The use of a lead pencil for voting

Learn why the Election Act requires the use of a lead pencil at polling stations.

Counting of the votes and reporting of provincial election results

We rely on multiple oversight measures to ensure that the electoral process remains secure, reliable, and non-partisan.

Other resources

Want to know more? Follow the links below to understand other aspects of Quebec's democracy.

The Charter of the French language and its regulations govern the consultation of English-language content.