Who can vote and run for office in municipal elections?
With municipal elections approaching, many people are wondering who is actually eligible to vote or run for office. Here is a clear summary of the rules that apply in North Hatley and, more broadly, to all municipalities in Quebec.
Right to vote and eligibility as a candidate
If you meet the requirements to exercise your right to vote, your name will appear on the municipal electoral list.
Being registered on this list gives you the right to vote, but also—under certain conditions—to run for mayor or councilor.
Anyone who wishes to run for office must file their nomination paper within the time limits set by the returning officer. Filing a nomination paper is an official act that must comply with specific rules: it is not enough to be a voter; you must also meet all the eligibility criteria set out in the law.
- Be a voter in the municipality within the meaning of the law;
- Be a Canadian citizen aged 18 or over on election day;
- Have been domiciled, resident, or owned property in the municipality for at least 12 months prior to September 1 of the election year;
- Not be ineligible (for example, in the case of undischarged bankruptcy, electoral offense, or incompatibility of office);
- File a nomination paper accompanied by the required number of supporting signatures within the time limits set by the returning officer.
Resident citizens
Any person aged 18 or over who is a Canadian citizen and resides in North Hatley may vote, provided they are registered on the municipal electoral roll.
Make sure your name appears on the roll before the deadline set by the returning officer (usually 15 days before the election).
People who have lost their right to vote, for example as a result of electoral fraud or guardianship, cannot participate.
Non-resident owners
Owners of a building located in North Hatley, even if they do not reside there, may also vote.
To be eligible, they must:
- Have been a homeowner for at least 12 months prior to September 1 of the election year;
- Own the building in their personal name (and not through an incorporated company);
- Be registered on the municipal electoral roll.
In the case of co-ownership, only one vote is granted per building. Co-owners must designate, by written proxy, the person authorized to vote on their behalf.
Legal entities (incorporated companies)
A legal entity (e.g., an incorporated company) that owns or leases a building in North Hatley may exercise voting rights, provided that:
- Appoint a natural person by resolution of the board of directors;
- Forward this resolution to the municipality before the official deadline (to my knowledge, before October 15).
One vote per person
The same person may only vote once in the same municipality, even if they are a resident, property owner, and business representative.
In summary, if you pay municipal taxes in North Hatley as a citizen, property owner, or business, you are likely eligible to vote, but only one vote may be cast.
Run for office
To stand as a candidate, you must meet the same requirements in terms of citizenship, age, and residence, and submit your candidacy declaration within the prescribed time frame.
Anyone who is eligible can thus contribute to local democratic life by standing for election as a councilor or mayor.
With that said, happy voting on November 2!
(For assistance, please contact the election chair, Mr. Benoit Tremblay, at the municipality.)
References
https://www.electionsquebec.qc.ca/en/vote/can-you-vote/
https://www.electionsquebec.qc.ca/en/get-involved/running-for-office/
