Quebec Elections: PQ leads as campaign kicks off

Drazen Seslija

With less than two months to go before the next Quebec provincial general election on October 5, the Parti Québécois (PQ) maintains its lead in voting intentions, while the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) is trying to close the gap and the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) is struggling to regain momentum. In this context, the campaign, which is officially scheduled to begin at the end of August, could still shift the balance of power. The most recent Synopsis Research poll, published on August 12, places the PQ in first position with 30% of voting intentions among voters determined to cast their ballots. The PLQ follows with 26%, ahead of the CAQ at 20% and the Conservative Party of Quebec at 15%. Among Francophone voters, the PQ's lead is even more pronounced, with 37% support, compared to 24% for the CAQ and 16% for the PLQ.

However, these figures should be interpreted with caution. The election has not yet officially begun, and a significant proportion of the electorate remain likely to change their minds. A recent Léger poll indicated that 49% of respondents could still modify their preferences before election day.

In the Outaouais region, the campaign will be particularly closely watched. The region has several ridings where the balance of power between federalist and sovereigntist parties could shift in the coming weeks.

Key dates to remember: According to Elections Quebec, the next provincial general election is scheduled for Monday, October 5. The campaign is expected to officially begin on August 29, the date on which the government is expected to formally request the dissolution of the National Assembly. Voters will also be able to vote in advance on Sunday, September 27 and Monday, September 28, from 9:30 am to 8 pm.

Quebec voters will also have several opportunities to vote before the October 5 election. Elections Quebec reminds voters that they will have several days and different voting methods available, depending on their situation, such as being outside Quebec or passing through another riding, among other things.

On election day, polling stations will be open from 9:30 am to 8:00 pm. Voters must be registered on the electoral list and present valid identification. Elections Quebec recommends checking your registration and address to avoid any unpleasant surprises as election day approaches.

For now, the Parti Québécois (PQ) has a head start. However, with nearly half of voters still likely to change their minds, nothing is certain, particularly in the Outaouais ridings. For more detailed information, visit the official Elections Quebec website.

Elections Quebec – Our institution is neutral and independent.
See: https://www.electionsquebec.qc.ca/en/homepage/