Higher Than Usual Number of Candidates on Ballot in the Terrebonne By-election

GATINEAU, QC, March 25, 2026 /CNW/ -

• As a result of the high number of candidates in the by-election in Terrebonne (Quebec), electors voting at advance or election day polls will vote using an adapted ballot.
  
  
• The adapted ballot will feature a blank space where electors can write the name of their preferred candidate. This will replace the typical list-style ballot, on which electors mark a blank circle next to the name of the candidate of their choice.
  
  
• For their vote to be counted, electors must write the name of their candidate of choice. As long as the elector's intention is clear, their vote will be counted, even if they misspell the candidate's name.
  
  
• Along with the candidate's name, electors can also write the name of the candidate's political party. But if the elector writes only the party's name, their ballot cannot be counted--it must have the name of the elector's preferred candidate.
  
  
• The list of candidates will be available in two formats at every voting table so that electors can find the name of their candidate of choice. One will list the candidates in alphabetical order, and the other will be sorted by party affiliation.
  
  
• The adapted write-in ballot will feature the same security and integrity measures found on a typical ballot.
  
  
• Elections Canada is aware that the changes to the ballot may reduce its accessibility for some electors. All regular accessibility tools will still be available, but some of them, such as the braille list of candidates, will only be available on election day (Monday, April 13). Anyone who has concerns can contact the Elections Canada office in Terrebonne to find out what options and accessibility supports are available to them.
  
  
• Electors who need support when voting are welcome to bring a friend or a family member to assist them, including helping them to complete their ballot. Election workers, who are sworn to maintain the secrecy of the vote, are also available to help.
  
  
• Elections Canada reminds electors in Terrebonne that they may vote by special ballot at the local Elections Canada office. They can also apply online to vote by mail, or they can apply by mail or by fax. They have until Tuesday, April 7, 6 p.m., to do so.
  
  
• Because of the large number of candidates, the results of the by-election in Terrebonne may take longer to report and publish on elections.ca.
  
  
• Electors are encouraged to visit elections.ca to get more information about the adapted ballot. They can also contact the Elections Canada office in Terrebonne.
  
  
• Electors in the ridings of Scarborough Southwest and University–Rosedale will vote using the regular ballot.

Elections Canada is an independent, non-partisan agency that reports directly to Parliament.

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SOURCE Elections Canada

Information: Elections Canada Media Relations, [email protected]