Reminders About the Adapted Ballot in Terrebonne

GATINEAU, QC, April 2, 2026 /CNW/ -

• As a result of the high number of candidates in the by-election in Terrebonne (Quebec), electors voting at advance polls 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.
• The adapted write-in ballot will have the same security and integrity measures as a regular ballot.
• Given the high number of candidates, no ballot format is ideal. Elections Canada looked at many factors before choosing the write-in ballot option. These factors include recent experience with the write-in ballot, accessibility, integrity of the vote and ways to lessen any impact of using a different ballot. Visit our website to learn more.

Completing the adapted ballot:

• 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.
• Electors can watch this video about how to complete their ballot.

Assistance for electors:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Electors can visit elections.ca for more information about the adapted ballot. They can also contact the Elections Canada office in Terrebonne.
• Elections Canada reminds electors in Terrebonne that they may vote by special ballot at the local Elections Canada office. They have until Tuesday, April 7, 6 p.m., to do so.

Election results:

• 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.

Other by-elections now under way:

• Electors in the ridings of Scarborough Southwest and University–Rosedale will vote using a regular ballot.

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

Subscribe to our news service at elections.ca.

SOURCE Elections Canada

Information: Elections Canada Media Relations, [email protected]