Quebec Advances 1.6 Million Ballots as Party Leaders Chase Undecided Voters
More than 1.6 million Quebecers cast their ballots in advanced polling ahead of the Oct. 5 provincial election, surpassing the early turnout rate from 2022, Montreal Gazette reported. With the campaign entering its final stretch, Élections Québec figures show that 25.31 percent of the province’s 6.4 million eligible voters participated in the early voting window.
Louis-Hébert Sees Highest Early Voting Turnout
Early voting totals climbed past the 24.5 percent participation rate recorded, according to data released by Élections Québec. Louis-Hébert in the Capitale-Nationale region registered the highest district turnout at 39.67 percent. Meanwhile, Ungava recorded the lowest participation rate across the province at 9.48 percent. Voting took place across select stations, returning officer offices, and participating post-secondary institutions.
Parti Québécois Majority Push Meets Rival Skepticism
Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon maintained an optimistic stance on the campaign trail despite polls showing only 30 percent of Quebecers express interest in a future referendum on sovereignty, CBC reported. Rival leaders quickly scoffed at the PQ’s majority pitch as the clock ticked toward Monday’s vote. Liberal Leader Charles Milliard argued that recent controversies surrounding a fringe American think tank publication disqualified the Coalition Avenir Québec from governance, pointing to his own party as a stable alternative for voters wishing to avoid constitutional upheaval. Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime positioned his party as a primary shield against separatism among francophone voters.
CAQ Leader Christine Fréchette told reporters on the campaign trail Monday, We have a very strong team and I’m pretty confident that we will convince Quebecers to support us and vote for us.
The polling follows a difficult weekend for the CAQ involving interference allegations made in the Quebec election. Fréchette said the initiative was undertaken without her knowledge, stating, I think it should be discussed with me first, so this is the change that we brought.
Liberal Leader Charles Milliard stated, My take is that the CAQ over the weekend has disqualified itself.
Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime said, The Conservative party is now second among francophones and we’re the only ones who can stop the Parti Québécois and their obsession with sovereignty.
St-Pierre Plamondon’s promised referendum on Quebec sovereignty is planned for 2029 after U.S. President Donald Trump leaves office, giving him the legislative numbers needed should the Parti Québécois pull off a victory.
Federal Implications for Prime Minister Mark Carney
A separatist Parti Québécois victory would introduce an immediate political test for Prime Minister Mark Carney and his federal government. With Quebec holding 44 of the 78 ridings as a key political power base for Carney, his administration faces the delicate challenge of demonstrating that the province remains a valued part of the federation without fueling separatist momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Quebec Election
When do the final polling stations close on election day?
Polling stations on Oct. 5 will remain open from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to Élections Québec rules.
Which electoral district recorded the highest early voter participation?
Louis-Hébert in the Capitale-Nationale recorded the highest turnout with 39.67 percent of voters casting early ballots.
What timeline has the Parti Québécois proposed for a sovereignty vote?
The Parti Québécois has proposed a referendum on Quebec sovereignty for 2029 after U.S. President Donald Trump leaves office.
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