Since filing my candidacy, the obstacles have been piling up.
Timeline
September 30 — With confirmation from the election president(who is also the director general), I registered on the electoral using the prescribed form. You can listen the information from the election president here.
October 3 — I filed my candidacy for the position of councillor.
October 17 — I received notice that a complaint had been sent to Élections Québec to verify my eligibility as a candidate. I provided the required information, which closed the file.
October 20 — The election president (who is also the director general) and the revision commission challenged my registration. I was summoned in person to town hall on to provide additional information.
The revision commission
The election president sets up a commission and designates, from among the three revisors, the chair and vice-chair. Two revisors constitute a quorum; decisions are made by majority vote, with the chair casting the deciding vote in the event of a tie.
Before refusing or striking a name, the commission must give one clear day’s notice to the person concerned. It may review or revoke its decision if new facts arise or if the person was unable to present their observations.
October 22 — I delivered documents in person to the election president proving that the property is owned by me, a natural person, without ever meeting the commission that had summoned me.
October 23, 1:46 p.m. — Decision: I was struck from the electoral list; my proof of occupancy was deemed insufficient.
October 23, 3:09 p.m. — I requested explanations regarding the grounds for refusal and the documents consulted in reaching the decision. To date (October 24 5:28 p.m.), I have received no reply.
October 23, 4:00 p.m. — The Election president announced by email that the commission’s work had ended, leaving no possible recourse.
October 23, 7:30 p.m. — During the candidate presentation, I informed voters of my situation before more than 50 people.
October 24 — Being removed from the electoral roll by the review commission, I no longer meet one of the two conditions required to maintain my candidacy. I am therefore forced to withdraw to avoid sanctions.
Apparent conflict of interest
I have been assisted by a lawyer specializing in municipal law since the beginning of this process. I am entitled to be registered on the electoral list.
Given that the director general also serves as election president and is responsible for appointing the revision commission, there is, in my view, an appearance of conflict of interest, all the more so as I have been questioning the municipal administration for several months.
I remain fully committed to our village.
Revision Commission (Québec municipal elections) — per ChatGPT
What is it?
The revision commission for the electoral list is the body which, during a municipal election, receives and decides on requests for registration, correction, or striking from the electoral list. It may also verify information and, if necessary, conduct inquiries. (Legis Québec)
Who sits on it?
The Election president sets up one or more commissions and designates, from among three revisors, the chair and vice-chair. The commission may be assisted by a secretary and revision agents (non-members without voting rights). Two revisors constitute a quorum; decisions are made by majority vote, with the chair casting the deciding vote in the event of a tie. (lacmasson.com +1)
When and how does it work?
It sits on the days and times set by the Election president during the official revision period; the chair may extend if needed. Requests may be received in person and, if provided for, remotely (videoconference/in writing) with supporting documents. (Legis Québec +1)
Powers and procedural safeguards
The commission (or an authorized member) may summon witnesses and conduct inquiries to establish a person’s right to be registered. Before refusing or striking, it must give one clear day’s notice to the person concerned. It may review or revoke its decision if new facts arise or if the person was unable to present their observations. Decisions are transmitted to the Election president to update the list. (Legis Québec)
