Over 4,500 Municipal Candidates Elected Unopposed in Quebec

UPDATE: More than 4,500 municipal candidates in Quebec have been elected by acclamation, signaling a significant shift in local governance as many ran unopposed. This unprecedented development raises questions about voter engagement and the future of municipal elections in the province.

The nominations for the provincewide municipal elections closed on October 3, 2025, leading to the election of 4,560 officials, including 564 mayors and 3,996 councillors, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Additionally, six candidates were elected as prefects in their respective regional municipal counties without contest.

With the provincewide municipal elections scheduled for November 2, 2025, this situation presents a unique opportunity for candidates who may not face electoral challenges. The implications of such a high number of unopposed elections could impact local governance and community representation significantly.

Officials are urging residents to engage in the electoral process, as the lack of competition may undermine democratic participation at the local level. The growing trend of unopposed candidates raises concerns about the health of democracy in Quebec, prompting calls for increased voter mobilization efforts ahead of the upcoming elections.

What happens next? As the November 2 elections approach, the focus will shift to how communities respond to this electoral landscape. Will residents rally for more choices at the ballot box? Or will this trend of acclamation continue to dominate municipal politics?

Stay tuned for more updates as officials and analysts weigh in on the significance of these developments in Quebec’s political landscape. The impact of this situation reverberates beyond the numbers, influencing how communities view their representation and governance in the years to come.