MONTREAL -- Montreal's municipal election is just around the corner.

All in all, 103 people will be elected as mayors and councillors in the boroughs and cities that make up the Island of Montreal.

For first-time voters, or anyone with questions, here is some information you might need:

CAN I VOTE?

To be eligible to vote, you must:

  • Be on the registered list of electors;
  • Be 18 years or older on Nov. 7.

Have met the following conditions by Sept. 1:

  • Be a Canadian citizen;
  • Not be under curatorship;
  • Be domiciled in Montreal and living in Quebec for at least six months or be the owner of a building or occupant of a business in Montreal for at least 12 months.

AM I REGISTERED TO VOTE?

You can check that you are registered to vote on the Elections Montreal website.

Paper notices were also mailed out to Montreal addresses in the last week. If you're registered at your current address, your name should appear in the top right corner of the mailed page.

If your name doesn't appear there, or in the online system, it means you need to get registered by next Monday. The same is true if there are any inaccuracies in your information, such as a misspelled name -- you must get it fixed.

To get registered, you need to go in person, appearing at one of several addresses between Oct. 12 and 18. This is called appearing before the Board of Revisors.

Bring two pieces of ID that will show, between them, your name, date of birth, and proof of your current address. One option is official mail with your name and address, such as a utility bill, plus Quebec government ID.

If you're homeless, you can still register to vote. Get the person in charge of the shelter where you stay, or the community organization where you often receive services, to fill out the attestation of attendance form with you.

YOU CAN MAIL IN YOUR REGISTRATION, BUT ACT QUICKLY

There are some exceptions to the need to go in person to prove your address and get on the voters' list, but if you choose this route, act fast -- the Board of Revisors needs to have received your mail by Oct. 18, next Monday.

If you live in a care facility or have a health condition that prevents you from getting around (including being in isolation for COVID-19) you can visit the Elections Montreal website and print the Application for Revision to the List of Electors form (English on second page).

Complete the form and return it with a photocopy of your supporting documents in time to ensure it'll be received no later than Oct. 18.

Someone can also go to a Board of Revisors location and act on your behalf, requesting a registration or change in registration, but this person must be either your spouse, your relative or someone living with you.  

People who own property in Montreal but are not physically here can also register to vote without needing to appear in person. They can call 514-868-0102 or email comrevmtr@electionsmtl.ca.

After Oct. 18, you will no longer be able to register to vote.

WHEN DO WE VOTE?

Advance polling is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Oct. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Official election day voting will be held on Saturday, Nov. 6 and Sunday, Nov. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Check the 'Where to vote' tool on the Elections Montreal website to find your nearest polling site.

Voting by mail is offered to those unable to get to a polling station (including if you are in isolation due to infection or exposure to COVID-19).

To submit a request to vote by mail, complete the form available online (in French only) or call 514-872-VOTE (8683) no later than Oct. 27.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

Public health protocols, including wearing a mask, are mandatory.

In addition, you will need:

  • A black or blue pen or lead pencil;
  • A piece of ID, such as your health insurance card, driver’s licence, Canadian passport, certificate of Indian status or Canadian Armed Forces card.

According to Elections Montreal, all polling places are universally accessible.

The Montreal municipal election is slated for Nov. 7. 

Having trouble getting registered or have other concerns about the voting process? Email us at MontrealDigitalNews@bellmedia.ca.