The Minister of the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation, Ms. Andrée Laforest, announced yesterday the resumption of municipal by-elections as of October 4th. The 45-day election period could therefore begin on August 21, 2020.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all municipal by-elections in progress or scheduled were suspended, in accordance with the directives issued by public health authorities. On March 13, more than 40 municipalities in Québec had to interrupt their election proceedings because of the public health emergency. Many other positions have become vacant since that date.
Any municipality with one or more vacancies must notify its regional branch of the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation.
Sanitary measures to be observed
The Québec government’s health and distancing directives must be respected during any by-election.
Roles and responsibilities for municipal elections
The Minister the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation is responsible for the general administration of the Act respecting elections and referendums in municipalities, which governs municipal elections. That is why the decision to suspend or hold these elections rests with the minister and her team.
The organization and holding of municipal elections are the responsibility of the returning officer of each municipality. The role of Élections Québec is to train and support returning officers in carrying out this mandate.
Élections Québec also monitors political financing and election expenses.
For further information
Please consult the Questions and answers concerning the municipalities during the COVID 19 pandemic page on Quebec.ca website.
