Start of municipal elections in Québec

Start of municipal elections in Québec

As the federal election campaign draws to a close, the electoral campaign officially begins today in more than 1,110 municipalities in Quebec. It is in this context that the Union of Quebec Municipalities (UMQ) invites eligible citizens, particularly women and people aged 35 and under, to get involved in municipal politics.

“For the Union, this highlight of local democracy is an opportunity for the population to become actively involved in their community, but also to learn and take an interest in municipal politics. It is first and foremost at the municipal level that the major issues of the day, such as climate change and environmental protection, the dematerialization of the economy as well as inclusion and diversity, have a direct impact on people’s daily lives. The UMQ adds that involvement in the municipal sector makes it possible to accomplish this, because the scope of action of municipalities is diverse and the real power to make things happen happens locally,” the UMQ stated in a release (translated).

Following the 2017 municipal elections, women represented only 32.4% of all those elected in Quebec, and young people aged 18 to 35, barely 8.3%. This is why the Union and its bodies have multiplied their actions – including the campaigns “D’Elles à Élues” and “Ose le municipal” – to encourage a maximum of diverse candidates and promote municipal councils that are more representative of local communities.

Those wishing to obtain information about the electoral period, the candidates running and the means to exercise their right to vote can consult the website of their municipality, of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MAMH) and the Chief Electoral Officer of Quebec (DGEQ).