Quebecers are going to the polls to choose their next provincial government on October 5, 2026. It’s time to exercise your right to vote. But first, are you eligible to vote? And do you know the basic rules to follow when casting your ballot?
Who can vote
You can vote in the provincial election if you meet all these requirements:
- You’re a Canadian citizen.
- You’re at least 18 years old.
- You’ve been living in Quebec for at least six months.
- You’re registered on the list of electors for your home address.
You can check online to make sure that you’re on the list of electors and that all your personal information is correct. If you need to register or change your address, you need to go in person to the office of the returning officer by October 1.
Your home address is where you stay most often. It’s also the place you return to after a temporary absence, like going on a trip or studying in another city.
If you live in more than one place, for example, at your parents’ home and a student residence, you must register at the address you consider your primary residence. You cannot register at a place you view as temporary.
Once you’ve confirmed you’re registered, you’ll be able to find your polling station. When you go to vote, you’ll have to prove your identity and address. You can prove your address with a piece of ID, other documents, or with the help of someone who can vouch for you.
When to vote
If you work on October 5, your employer must ensure you have a four-hour window to go vote.
Polling stations are open from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., so your employer can decide when to give you the four-hour window, as long as it falls within these hours. Your lunch break does not count as part of the four-hour window.
For example:
- If you work from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., your employer does not need to give you extra time since you have four hours to vote after work.
- If you work from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., your employer must provide a four-hour window before, during or after your shift. Your employer could, for example, allow you to come in at 1:30 p.m. instead of 11:00 a.m.
Your employer can’t deduct these hours from your pay.
If your employer doesn’t give you four hours to vote, you can file a complaint with Quebec’s labour board, the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité au travail. Employers who fail to respect this obligation could face fines between $1,000 and $60,000.
Did you know you can also vote in advance? Advance polling stations are open on September 27 and 28. Additional voting dates are scheduled at professional and post-secondary educational institutions and the office of the returning officer.
Keep your vote secret
Whether you’re waiting in line, casting your ballot or leaving the polling station, your vote is personal and private.
Thinking about taking a selfie for Instagram with your completed ballot in the voting booth? Stop! Taking a picture or video of your completed ballot is illegal. You’re also not allowed to share a photo or video of your ballot with anyone else.
While at the polling station, you can’t announce whom you are voting for or show other people your completed ballot.
Violations can carry a fine between $5,000 and $30,000.
Allow others to vote freely
You can’t prevent or attempt to stop someone from voting. Everyone has the right to vote, even if you disagree with their views.
The right to vote is one of the most fundamental rights in a democracy. It’s protected by both the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Charter of human rights and freedoms of Quebec, which safeguard key values in Canada and Quebec.
If you try to stop someone from voting, you can be given a fine between $5,000 and $30,000.