As Montreal prepares for next year’s federal election, many residents—both first-time voters and seasoned participants—are seeking clarity on the voting process. Having covered three previous federal elections across our diverse boroughs, I’ve witnessed firsthand how preparation significantly improves voter experience.
“The 2025 federal election represents a critical moment for Montrealers to have their voices heard,” explains Jean-Michel Bouchard, Elections Canada regional coordinator for Quebec. “We’re already implementing measures to ensure accessibility across all demographics.”
Election day preparations typically begin months in advance, with Elections Canada establishing hundreds of polling stations throughout Montreal’s 18 boroughs. Unlike our provincial elections, federal voting cards will arrive by mail approximately three weeks before election day, containing your designated polling location and hours.
For newcomers to our city or those who have recently moved, updating your voter registration is essential. The process takes roughly five minutes online through the Elections Canada portal. Alternatively, you can register directly at your polling station on election day, though this may require additional wait time.
To cast your ballot, Canadian citizens must be at least 18 years old on election day and provide one piece of government-issued ID with your photograph, name, and current address. If your ID doesn’t show your address, you’ll need a second piece of identification. Elections Canada accepts over 40 types of identification, including Hydro-Québec bills and student ID cards when paired with proof of address.
“Many Montrealers don’t realize they can vote early if election day doesn’t work with their schedule,” notes Sophie Langlois, who served as a poll clerk in Rosemont during the 2021 election. “Advanced polling typically opens about two weeks before, and it’s generally much less crowded.”
Last election, I observed significantly shorter lines at advanced polls in Plateau Mont-Royal compared to election day. Early voting stations are typically open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., providing ample opportunity for those with challenging work schedules.
For students studying outside Montreal, the mail-in ballot option ensures you can still participate in your home riding’s election. Applications for mail-in voting open once the election is officially called and must be submitted at least six days before election day.
The 2021 election saw nearly 14,000 Montrealers utilize mail-in voting—an increase of approximately 450% from the previous election, largely due to pandemic concerns. While we expect these numbers to normalize in 2025, the option remains valuable for those unable to vote in person.
Montreal’s multilingual reality is well-accommodated at polling stations. “We ensure services are available in both official languages, and in neighborhoods with significant immigrant populations, we recruit poll workers who speak relevant community languages,” explains Bouchard.
For those with mobility limitations, each polling station must meet accessibility standards. During my coverage of previous elections, I’ve seen poll workers bring ballot boxes directly to vehicles for voters unable to enter the building—a testament to Canada’s commitment to inclusive democratic participation.
Employers are legally required to ensure employees have three consecutive hours to vote on election day. If your work schedule doesn’t already provide this window, your employer must adjust your hours or provide paid time off to accommodate voting.
Watching my neighborhood polling station in Villeray during the last election, I noticed the busiest periods occurred between 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. as people stopped in after work. Mid-morning and early afternoon typically offer the shortest wait times for those with flexible schedules.
First-time voters often express confusion about the actual voting process. The ballot itself is straightforward—a paper list of candidates and their party affiliations. You’ll make one mark beside your chosen candidate, fold the ballot as instructed, and deposit it in the ballot box.
“The most common mistake we see is people taking photos of their marked ballots,” says Langlois. “This violates election laws designed to protect voter privacy and prevent coercion.” While you can certainly
