Quebec: Élections Québec, the province’s election agency, has clarified that it will not lift restrictions imposed on staff regarding speaking English with voters at polling stations. Standing firm on its position, the agency rejected an official request submitted by lawyers, stating that current guidelines can only be modified through a court order.
In a letter, Élections Québec pointed out that it is obligated to adhere to the province’s Charter of the French Language. The agency clarified that a previous court order issued by Justice Lussier applies solely to written information and cards sent to voters, and does not extend to oral communication at polling stations.
Lawyers initiated legal action after an employee revealed instructions requiring staff to limit English conversations strictly to individuals holding a certificate of eligibility for English instruction or members of Indigenous communities.
Julius Grey, a prominent lawyer appearing on behalf of the petitioners, stated that this issue will be raised before the court ahead of the October 5 election day, as part of an existing petition against sending election mailings exclusively in French. He expressed concern that such restrictions could make exercising the right to vote more difficult for certain groups, negatively impacting voter turnout.
Meanwhile, the Quebec government is preparing to appeal a previous court ruling that mandated sending bilingual reminder cards to voters.
