Frequently asked questions

1. If a candidate runs in an electoral division other than that of his or her domicile, where would the candidate vote?
2. Can a homeless person vote?
3. Do people have a right to make analyses and comments in the media during the election period?
4. And what happens on polling day?
5. Are school boards and municipalities obliged to accept polling stations in their facilities?
6. Are the premises of school boards and municipalities used free of charge?
7. Can journalists be present during the counting of votes?
8. What are the rules concerning the removal of election posters after the election?
9. Can we have access to the photographs of candidates during the election period?
10. How many electors are entered on the permanent list of electors?

1. If a candidate runs in an electoral division other than that of his or her domicile, where would the candidate vote?

   A candidate who has filed his or her nomination papers and who runs in an electoral division other than that in which his or her domicile is located can choose to be considered as domiciled in the polling subdivision where his main election office is located.

   This choice is thus no longer reserved for an elector who is a member of the National Assembly at the time the writ is issued and who runs again in an electoral division other than that of his or her domicile.

2. Can a homeless person vote?

   Yes, as long as he or she is entered on the list of electors. Since such a person has no domicile, the Chief Electoral Officer accepts the address of a location that he visits often, such as a shelter or a community organization.

3. Do people have a right to make analyses and comments in the media during the election period?

   The publication in a newspaper or other periodical, of editorials, interviews, opinions or letters from readers is not considered to be an election expense as long as it is published without payment, compensation or promise of payment or compensation.

   The broadcast by a radio or television station of a public affairs program or comments is not considered to be an election expense as long as this program is broadcast is done without payment, compensation or promise of payment or compensation.

   The Election Act thus promotes freedom of expression by the media.

4. And what happens on polling day?

   Participants in public affaires programs have the right to do some analysis before polling stations close.

5. Are school boards and municipalities obliged to accept polling stations in their facilities?

   Yes, school boards and municipalities must allow polling stations to be set up on their premises (Election Act, section 305).

6. Are the premises of school boards and municipalities used free of charge?

   For certain public facilities, the Election Act (section 305) stipulates that their premises shall be used as polling stations on polling day and on advance polling days free of charge.

   However, since June 2, 2006, to compensate extra expenses related mainly to cleaning the places of voting, a standard allowance is paid to all municipal facilities, school board facilities or certain public facilities that are covered by section 305.

   This standard daily allowance is determined as follows: a base amount of $75 for each hall used, plus $3 for each polling station.

   The monitoring of the place of voting is carried out by officers of the Chief Electoral Officer of Québec.

   No other amount will be paid for the use of these places of voting.

7. Can journalists be present during the counting of votes?

   Unlike places of voting, no one is admitted in places where votes are counted on the evening of polling day. To know the election results, consult the special section (to come).

8. What are the rules concerning the removal of election posters after the election?

   Every election poster must be removed latest 15 days after polling day. If a party fails to remove its posters, the local municipality or the owner of the premises or the poles can remove all posters on its property at the expense of the party or candidate.

9. Can we have access to the photographs of candidates during the election period?

   The photographs of candidates are provided to the returning officer with their nomination papers. The Chief Electoral Officer has authorization to reproduce them on the posters produced for places of voting, but not for other uses. To obtain their photographs, you have to contact the candidates directly.

10. How many electors are entered on the permanent list of electors?

    As of January 31, 2012, there were 5,863,462 electors entered on the permanent list of electors.