Surge of Protest Candidates Forces Write-In Ballots in Quebec Byelection

The adapted ballot being used in the Battle River-Crowfoot federal byelection is seen at an advance polling station in Camrose, Alta., on Aug. 8, 2025. The Canadian Press/Fakiha Baig

Voters in Terrebonne will need to cast write-in ballots at polling stations next month in response to the Longest Ballot Committee targeting the Quebec riding’s byelection with more than 40 candidates, the head of Elections Canada says.

Chief Electoral Officer Stéphane Perrault told a parliamentary committee this week that a total of 48 candidates are running in the Terrebonne riding. He said the write-in ballot was the “lesser evil” when compared to a lengthy folded ballot listing all the names.