Quebec election agency forced to send voter information only in French

Élections Québec asked the provincial government to modify language legislation so it could send voter information in English, providing draft wording for a possible amendment. The government rejected the proposal, as documented in emails exchanged between April 2023 and June 2025. Director Jean-François Blanchet warned that the French-only requirement might infringe on Charter rights and affect voter participation.

A legal challenge is underway, with a hearing recently concluded and a ruling expected soon. Lawyer Henrick Lavoie indicated the court could still order English reminder cards by September 16. The agency has already produced French-only voter guides that include a QR code for online English details, and it plans to mail these after the candidate list is finalized on September 17.