Saguenay Bylaws: Recount and Audit Procedures

Elections and Campaign Finance Quebec 3 Minutes Read · published May 26, 2026 Flag of Quebec

Saguenay, Quebec voters and candidates may seek a recount or audit after municipal elections under provincial municipal election law and the city administration's procedures. This guide explains where to find the controlling statute, which city office to contact, typical steps to request a review, and what the official pages show or leave unspecified. For statutory authority, consult the Act respecting elections and referendums in municipalities on LégisQuébec. [1]

Start by contacting the City Clerk's office; they handle requests and records.

Legal framework and who enforces it

The primary legal framework is the provincial Act respecting elections and referendums in municipalities, which sets procedures for counting, recounts and legal challenges; the City of Saguenay administers local implementation and reception of requests through the City Clerk or Elections Office. [2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Penalties, enforcement roles and appeal routes for irregularities discovered during a recount or audit are described across provincial and municipal sources. Specific monetary fines, escalation amounts and timelines are often set by statute or by administrative regulation; when amounts or time limits are not listed on the cited municipal page, this guide notes that they are "not specified on the cited page" and cites the official source.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited municipal page; consult the provincial statute and the City Clerk for amounts and ticketing procedures.[2]
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offences are addressed by provincial law or judicial orders; specific escalation ranges are not specified on the cited municipal page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to correct records, injunctions, court actions or contested-sitting remedies via municipal clerk or court process.
  • Enforcer and inspections: City Clerk / Elections Office enforces local administrative steps; complaints and requests are filed with the City Clerk's office or through judicial review under provincial law.[2]
  • Appeals and review: appeals typically proceed to the competent court or tribunal under the provincial act; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited municipal page and should be confirmed with the City Clerk or the statute.[1]
If you suspect a counting error, act quickly and document the evidence you have.

Applications & Forms

Official application forms for a recount or audit are handled by the City Clerk or appear with election results; if no local form is published, the municipal office will advise the required written request and supporting documents. The cited City of Saguenay pages do not publish a named recount form; see City Clerk contact for submission method and any fee information.[2]

How to request a recount or audit

General action steps to request a recount or audit in Saguenay; check the City Clerk and the provincial act for mandatory timelines and jurisdictional specifics.

  1. Prepare a written request stating the election, polling station or ballot batches to review and the grounds for the recount.
  2. Submit the request to the City Clerk / Elections Office in person, by email or registered mail; keep proof of submission.
  3. Enquire about any fees required for initiating a recount; if the municipal page does not list fees, state that the fee is "not specified on the cited page" and request fee details from the Clerk.
  4. If denied or unresolved, seek the remedies described in the provincial Act respecting elections and referendums in municipalities and consider judicial review within applicable deadlines.

FAQ

Who can request a recount?
Typically candidates, scrutineers or electors with standing; confirm eligibility and standing with the City Clerk and the provincial act.
How long do I have to request a recount?
Time limits are set by statute or municipal procedure; the City of Saguenay pages consulted do not specify a deadline, so contact the City Clerk to confirm exact timelines.[2]
Are there fees for a recount?
The cited municipal pages do not list a fixed fee; consult the City Clerk for any administrative fees or deposits required.

How-To

Step-by-step how-to to request and pursue a recount in Saguenay.

  1. Document the alleged irregularity and collect any supporting evidence or witness names.
  2. Draft a clear written request addressed to the City Clerk specifying the recount scope.
  3. Submit the request to the City Clerk by the recommended method and obtain proof of filing.
  4. If the result is unsatisfactory, pursue review or appeal avenues indicated in the provincial act or request guidance from the City Clerk.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with the City Clerk: they receive requests and advise forms and fees.
  • Statutory authority is provincial; consult the Act respecting elections and referendums in municipalities for legal remedies.[1]

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] LégisQuébec — Loi sur les élections et les référendums dans les municipalités (texte consolidé)
  2. [2] Ville de Saguenay — Élections municipales et renseignements du greffe

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