Lead
As Quebec heads into its October 5 provincial election, advocates are highlighting how current voting rules are effectively silencing a growing segment of the population—people experiencing homelessness. With more than 12,000 individuals affected, a nearly 20 % rise in four years, and fewer than one in a hundred managing to vote, critics argue the province’s restrictive system disenfranchises a community that already faces numerous hardships.
Strict provincial rules hinder participation
Quebec’s electoral framework for voters without a permanent address is notably more stringent than the federal model. While Elections Canada permits polling stations inside shelters and soup kitchens, Élections Québec requires a signed statement from a community organisation to verify residency. This requirement, however, fails to accommodate many unhoused individuals who lack regular access to such services. The disparity has prompted calls for reform, with community groups estimating that the current system excludes the vast majority of those living on the streets.
Political debate and promises
The issue has sparked a heated political debate. Last spring, the Parti Québécois (PQ) leader, Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon, opposed a pilot project aimed at increasing accessibility for homeless voters, citing concerns about “electoral fraud.” Yet the PQ’s current election platform touts homelessness as its “top priority,” with St‑Pierre Plamondon pledging to become a super‑minister for the cause if elected. This apparent contradiction has drawn scrutiny from observers who question the sincerity of the party’s commitment.
Grassroots efforts and on‑the‑ground realities
On the ground, organisations such as TAPAJ Québec and the Old Brewery Mission are striving to bridge the gap. TAPAJ’s director, Scarlett Martinez, estimates that fewer than 1 % of homeless people manage to cast a ballot, stressing that the federal system’s simplicity should be mirrored provincially. At the Old Brewery Mission, staff accompany residents to polling stations and display election information throughout the shelter. Supervisor Marie‑France Chauvin notes that while some residents are politically engaged, many feel neglected and disillusioned with the political process.
Personal stories underscore systemic challenges
Marcel Dionne Jr., a 66‑year‑old who has lived in transitional housing for the past four months, exemplifies the determination many unhoused voters possess. He intends to register his transitional‑housing address for the election, stating, “I don’t want to be forgotten, I want to be heard.” In contrast, Michel A. Messier, a 74‑year‑old resident of the same shelter, admits he was unaware he could vote using his shelter’s address and has not cast a ballot in over 30 years. His experience highlights the information gap that persists even when voting mechanisms exist.
Broader implications for vulnerable communities
Advocates argue that the inability to vote perpetuates a cycle of neglect. Robert Brunet, who works for a local rights‑defence group, points out that political resources and funding often flow to communities that exercise their voting rights. He stresses that solving homelessness will require significant investment, and that the voices of those directly affected must be heard at the ballot box. A 2025 report by Montreal’s public consultation office recommended aligning provincial voting rules with federal standards, noting that community organisations are eager to support residents through every stage of the voting process.
Why it Matters
The struggle of unhoused voters to participate in Quebec’s election reflects a broader democratic deficit. When a segment of society is systematically excluded from the political process, policy decisions risk overlooking the very issues that affect their lives. Ensuring that every citizen, regardless of housing status, can exercise their right to vote is not just a matter of fairness; it is essential for shaping responsive, inclusive governance that addresses the root causes of homelessness and allocates resources where they are most needed.
