Quebec election materials to be printed in French only

Élections Québec has announced it will distribute printed election materials, including voter information cards, exclusively in French. This decision follows the requirements of Bill 96, Quebec’s language legislation, which restricts the use of English in various public sectors.

While English-language instructions are available via QR codes on the printed materials, the move has sparked legal challenges from Montreal-based lawyers who argue the policy infringes upon minority-language rights. Élections Québec had previously requested an exemption from the law to provide bilingual printed materials, citing the fundamental right to vote, but the request was denied by the relevant minister and the French language commissioner.

The policy comes as the province prepares for the 2026 general election and has raised concerns regarding the potential alienation of English-speaking voters and the impact on the Coalition Avenir Québec government.