Gatineau picks its next mayor today. Here's how to vote

Sunday is the day residents of Gatineau, Que., will vote to choose their next mayor. Seven candidates have put their names forward. (Hugo Belanger/Radio-Canada - image credit)
Sunday is the day residents of Gatineau, Que., will vote to choose their next mayor. Seven candidates have put their names forward. (Hugo Belanger/Radio-Canada - image credit)

Gatineau, Que., residents will elect their new mayor on Sunday.

A byelection was triggered after former mayor France Bélisle, the first woman to hold the position in the city's history, announced she was stepping down in February.

She cited a poor political climate and abuse from the public that included death threats to her departure.

There are seven candidates running for the job, which they'll hold until the next general election in November 2025.

Eligible voters can cast a ballot for their preferred candidates at their assigned voting place from 10 a.m to 8 p.m.  Electors in the Carrefour-de-l'Hôpital district will also be invited to vote for their next councillor.

CBC has put together this guide on how to vote on June 9.

Gatineau, Que., Mayor France Bélisle speaks at a press conference on the flood risk along the Gatineau River on May 23, 2022.
Gatineau, Que., Mayor France Bélisle speaks at a press conference on the flood risk along the Gatineau River on May 23, 2022.

Sunday's byelection was triggered when former mayor France Bélisle, seen here in 2022, announced earlier this year she was stepping down. (Alexander Behne/Radio-Canada)

Am I eligible to vote? 

Anyone who is a resident of Gatineau, is a Canadian citizen, is at least 18 years old and is not prohibited from voting by law is eligible to vote.

Quebec's elections office keeps a list of electors, and voters are ultimately responsible for ensuring that their names appear on that list.

Registration forms can be found on the city's website.

Eligible voters should have received a notice of registration in the mail last month.

The city says residents who didn't get one — or got one that says there's no registered voter at the address — are not registered on the list of electors.

Voters cast ballots in the 2021 municipal election in Gatineau, Que.
Voters cast ballots in the 2021 municipal election in Gatineau, Que.

Voters cast ballots during the 2021 municipal election in Gatineau. Whoever wins Sunday's byelection will serve as mayor until the next general election in 2025. (Xavier Gauvin/Radio-Canada)

Where can I vote?

Residents must vote at their assigned voting place in the ward where they live. Electors can find their assigned location using the city's online tool or on their voter notification letter.

What do I need to bring with me?

All eligible voters must present one piece of personal identification to receive a ballot.

Some acceptable form of identification are:

  • A driver's licence.

  • A health insurance card.

  • A Canadian passport.

  • A Status Indian certificate

  • An identification card issued to Canadian forces personnel.

Who are the candidates?

The seven mayoral candidates are Rémi Bergeron, Stéphane Bisson, Yves Ducharme, Daniel Feeny, Olive Kamanyana, Maude Marquis-Bissonnette and Mathieu Saint-Jean.

They all spoke to CBC News about what Gatineau's biggest issue is and how they'd address it if they were elected mayor.

More information for voters in Gatineau's 2024 mayoral byelection is available on the city's website.