What ID or documents must I bring to vote?

Bring government photo ID showing your name and address, or a photo ID plus a document that proves your Montréal address; specific acceptable documents are described on the election information page.

What if I moved recently and my address is not updated?

If your registration does not reflect your current address, update your registration with the city before polling day or bring proof of residency and speak to poll officials about available options.

Montréal voter residency rules and proofs

Elections and Campaign Finance Quebec 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026

In Montréal, Quebec, municipal voting eligibility and the proofs required at the polling station are governed by provincial and municipal election authorities. This guide explains who may vote in Montréal, what documents are commonly accepted as proof of identity and residency, how to register or update your address, and where to seek help. Use the steps below to prepare to vote in municipal elections and to resolve common questions about residency, non-resident property owners, and special ballots.

Who can vote

Eligibility is set by the provincial election authority and applied locally by the city returning officers and the greffe (city clerk). Typical conditions include being a Canadian citizen, being 18 years or older on polling day, and being domiciled in the municipality or qualifying as a non-resident property elector under applicable rules. For official details and local procedures, consult the city election information page.^[1]

Proofs commonly required at the polling station

Poll officials will ask electors to prove identity and residency. Commonly accepted proofs include government photo ID and documents showing your name and address. If your primary ID lacks an address, you may be asked for an additional document that confirms residency.

Government-issued photo ID showing name and address (if available).
Secondary document showing name and Montréal address, such as a recent utility bill, lease, or property tax notice.
If you are a non-resident property owner claiming the right to vote, bring ownership documents and identification.
If your name or address has changed, bring legal proof or a completed registration update before polling day.

If your ID lacks an address, bring a separate document that proves your Montréal residence.

Penalties & Enforcement

Sanctions for offences tied to municipal voting and residency are set out in the governing election law and enforced locally by election officers and municipal authorities. Specific fine amounts, escalation rules, and non-monetary sanctions are not specified on the cited city election page; consult the provincial election statute or the city clerk for exact penalties.^[1]

Fines and monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions (orders, disqualification, court referral): may apply; not specified on the cited page.
Enforcer: municipal returning officer/city clerk and provincial election authority as applicable; use official election contacts to file complaints.^[1]

Report suspected fraudulent voting to the returning officer immediately using official contact channels.

Applications & Forms

Most electors do not need a special form to vote if they are correctly registered on the list. To change your address or register, municipal procedures vary; the city election page provides steps to update your registration and any available forms.^[1]

If you need to update your address, do so well before polling day to avoid issues at the station.

Action steps before voting

Confirm registration and your polling station online or by phone with the city election office.
Gather one piece of photo ID and one proof of address if your ID lacks an address.
If you believe you were incorrectly removed from the list, contact the city clerk or returning officer immediately.

FAQ

Who is eligible to vote in Montréal municipal elections?: Eligibility follows provincial election rules and typically requires Canadian citizenship, being 18 or older on polling day, and being domiciled in the municipality or qualifying as a non-resident property elector; check the city election page for local application details.^[1]
What ID or documents must I bring to vote?: Bring government photo ID showing your name and address, or a photo ID plus a document that proves your Montréal address; specific acceptable documents are described on the election information page.^[1]
What if I moved recently and my address is not updated?: If your registration does not reflect your current address, update your registration with the city before polling day or bring proof of residency and speak to poll officials about available options.

How-To

Check your registration online or contact the city returning officer to confirm your status.
Collect a government photo ID and a recent document showing your Montréal address.
If problems arise at the polling station, ask to speak to the returning officer and note the instructions provided.
If you are refused the right to vote, file a formal complaint with the city clerk or the provincial election authority following the published complaint procedure.

Key Takeaways

Bring photo ID and proof of Montréal address if needed.
Update registration well before polling day to avoid issues.
Contact the city returning officer or clerk for complaints or corrections.

Help and Support / Resources

[1] City of Montréal – Elections information and procedures