How to make sure you’re registered to vote in Montreal’s 2025 municipal election

FILE PHOTO: A voter casts their ballot Monday, April 7, 2014 in L'Assomption, Que. as Quebecers go to the polls for the provincial election. (Ryan Remiorz / The Canadian Press)

Montrealers head to the polls for the next municipal election on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, and election officials are urging residents to verify that they’re on the voters’ list before key deadlines. The Canada Post strike means there are some changes for this election cycle. Here’s how to make sure you can cast your ballot.

Who can vote

To be eligible to vote, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen
• Be 18 years or older on election day
• Meet residency or property criteria (live in Montreal, or own property/run a business there under non-resident voter rules)
• Not be under legal incapacity or have lost voting rights.

Check and update your registration

Voters can verify their status via the Elections Montreal website. A reminder or confirmation card is usually mailed to each registered voter, but you don’t have to wait for the card to check: if you’ve moved, changed your name, or aren’t sure you’re on the list, you should update your information early.

For non-resident voters (property or business owners), special registration forms (SMR-9.1 and SMR-9.2) must be submitted by Oct. 16 at 6 p.m.

READ MORE: Montreal municipal election: Everything you need to know ahead of voting day

What about the postal strike?

Because of the ongoing Canada Post strike, election officials warn that some reminder cards and other documents may not arrive on time. To prevent confusion, municipalities are allowed to use alternative delivery methods—private couriers, hand delivery or non-personalized notices—to get key election information to voters. Larger municipalities must also provide a telephone option for voters to confirm their polling station if personalized cards aren’t delivered.

Elections Montreal is encouraging residents not to rely solely on the mail but to verify their registration and polling location online, by phone or in person well before election day.

Registration on the electoral list can take place in person at one of Elections Montreal’s revision boards from Oct. 11 to 16.

You can also make an appointment and submit a registration application by videoconference as of now. Those who are unable to travel for health reasons are asked to call (514) 872-VOTE (8683).

Can I vote if I don’t have permanent housing?

Yes, people without permanent housing can also vote. Under Quebec law, someone who lacks a fixed address can use an attestation from a shelter, drop-in centre or other community organization to establish an address of service.

That attestation, combined with a piece of ID, allows them to register and vote in the district where they receive services.

What to bring on voting day

On Nov. 2, bring one accepted form of ID (driver’s licence, health card, passport, etc.). If you’re voting without a fixed address, also bring your attestation from a community organization. If your reminder card didn’t arrive, you can still vote as long as you’re on the list and have ID—the card just speeds things up.

Election officials say the goal is to ensure that, despite postal disruptions, no eligible voter is turned away. Checking your registration early and confirming your polling place through official channels is the best way to make sure your vote counts.

More information about registration, voting procedures, ID requirements, and polling locations can be found at elections.montreal.ca, electionsquebec.qc.ca or by calling 1-888-ELECTION.

Key dates for Montreal’s 2025 municipal election

• Election day: Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. Polls open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Advance polling: Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. Noon to 8 p.m.    
• Municipal election registration deadline: Oct. 16, 2025, 6 p.m. Final date to submit non-resident voter forms or corrections